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 moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number 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 successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
