Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.