Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from others kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.