Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed 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 dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.
