Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved 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 success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.