Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning period and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.