Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive 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 achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.