Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two 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 last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.