Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided 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 success to hard work and an undying love for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.