Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.