Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.