Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.