Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "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 compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.