Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.