Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.