Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
