Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.
