Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
