Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal 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 two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.