Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred 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 decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.
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