Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.