Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.