Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "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 compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.
