Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others annihilate 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 honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.