Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.