Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from other people kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
