Phil Ivey (born February 1, 1977) is widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players in history, celebrated for his exceptional skill across various poker formats, including tournaments and high-stakes cash games.
Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Born in Riverside, California, Ivey moved to Roselle, New Jersey, at just three months old. He was introduced to poker by his grandfather, who taught him five-card stud, often playing for pennies. As a teenager, Ivey honed his skills in Atlantic City casinos using a fake ID, earning him the nickname “No Home Jerome” due to his frequent presence at the tables and occasional nights spent under the boardwalk.
Poker Career Highlights
- World Series of Poker (WSOP): Ivey has secured 10 WSOP bracelets, showcasing his versatility by winning in multiple poker variants, including Pot-Limit Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and 2-7 Draw Lowball.
- World Poker Tour (WPT): He clinched a WPT title at the L.A. Poker Classic in 2008, adding to his impressive tournament resume.
- High-Stakes Cash Games: Ivey is renowned for his prowess in high-stakes cash games, notably winning over $16 million in a series against billionaire Andy Beal in 2006.
- Online Poker: Playing under the alias “RaiseOnce” on PokerStars, Ivey has also made significant earnings in online poker.
Business Ventures and Legal Matters
Beyond the poker table, Ivey has ventured into business:
- Ivey Poker: A play-for-free poker app allowing users to compete against Ivey and other professionals.
- Ivey League: A now-defunct poker training site that offered coaching from top players.
Ivey was involved in a notable legal case concerning “edge sorting” in baccarat, where he and a partner won significant sums by exploiting card imperfections. While not illegal, courts ruled against him, and he settled the case in 2020.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Ivey married Luciaetta in 2002; the couple divorced in 2009. He resides in Las Vegas and is known for his philanthropic efforts:
- Budding Ivey Foundation: Established to honor his grandfather, the foundation supports underprivileged children and literacy programs.
- In 2008, he donated $50,000 to Empowered 2 Excel, a Las Vegas charity for underprivileged children.
Ivey is also a sports enthusiast, supporting teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.
Recent Developments
After a period focusing on cash games, Ivey returned to the tournament scene, achieving notable finishes, including a second-place in a €100,000 Short Deck Super High Roller in 2019.)
In a 2023 interview, Ivey revealed he has been sober for four years, emphasizing the positive impact on his life and career.
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