Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "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 Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.
