Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.