Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.