Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.