Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to 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 the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.