Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.