Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.