Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.