Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
