Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.