Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.
