Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
