Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many 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 Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.