[ English ]

Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing 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 successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.

Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.