Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest 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 his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.