Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.