Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last 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.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.