Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few 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 Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.