Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.