Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "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 participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.