Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.