Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil 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 an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.