Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.