Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known 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 event. At the final 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 decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.