Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "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 Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.