Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few 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 Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.