Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.