Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many 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 skills to the next 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 success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.