Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.