Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with 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 winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next 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 an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.