Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.