Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision 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. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.