Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
