Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from other people kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.