Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.