Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.