Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.
