Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil 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 when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.
