Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t 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 final table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.
