Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game 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 on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.
