Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.
