Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.