Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.