Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.