Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number 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 successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.