Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn 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 detrimental comments from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.