Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals 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. 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 a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.