Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.
