Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game 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 best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.