Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.