Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.