Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills 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 on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.
