Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last 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 skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.