Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated 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 next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.