Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.