Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.