Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "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 greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.