Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing 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 next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
