Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. 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 a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
