Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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 Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.