Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.