Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil 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 in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.