Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.