Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He 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 an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.