Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.