Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "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 Las Vegas. He continues to play 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’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
