Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing 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, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "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 Sin City. He continues to play 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 poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.