Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals 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 Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.