Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.