Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including "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. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.