Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.