Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.