Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from others destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.