Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.
