Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many 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 headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.