Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.