Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.