Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.