Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.