Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
