Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.