Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 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 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 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. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.