Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.