Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
