Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed 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 achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.