Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well 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 headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.