Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "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. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.