Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros 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. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.