Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a regular 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 two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better 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 successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete 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 poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.