Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.