Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.