Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.