Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.