Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.