Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision 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 best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.
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