Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing 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 game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.