Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.