Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t 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 WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.