Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.
