Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced 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 was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many 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 participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
