Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.