Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.