Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil 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 a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.