Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.