Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 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 well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.