Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring 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 teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated 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 best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.