Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number 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 headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.