Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two 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 well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He 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 undying passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
