Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.