Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last 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 successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.