Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.