Posted by Anabel | Posted in Poker | Posted on 07-11-2025
Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.