Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.