Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.