Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the better 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 next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.
