Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "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 Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.