Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His pappa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better 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 Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.