Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.