Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros 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 moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil 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 a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.