Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity 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 when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.