Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two 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 defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.