Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated 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 successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.