Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.