Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.