Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the globe 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 him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 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 closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.