Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.