Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.