Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.