Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills 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 on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.