Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative comments from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros 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 headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.