Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.