Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.
