Phillip Ivey

Childhood

Ivey's introduction to the world of cards began in his childhood, playing five-card stud with his grandfather. This early exposure ignited a spark that would eventually blossom into a legendary career. As a teenager, his burgeoning interest led him to the vibrant poker scene of Atlantic City, New Jersey. To circumvent age restrictions, he famously acquired a fake identification card under the moniker "No Home Jerome," a nickname that would stick with him during those formative years. It was during this period that his exceptional talent became apparent, earning him another fitting nickname: "The Phenom." Some even drew parallels to the dominance of a sporting icon, dubbing him "the Tiger Woods of Poker." Before his professional breakthrough, Ivey honed his skills further by playing against colleagues at a telemarketing firm in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the late 1990s, demonstrating an early commitment to the craft.

Career

Phil Ivey quickly rose to poker stardom with a breakout win at the 2000 WSOP, defeating Amarillo Slim to claim his first bracelet in Pot Limit Omaha. In 2002, he made history by winning three WSOP bracelets in one year, showcasing his versatility across multiple game types.

By 2024, Ivey had amassed 11 WSOP bracelets in non-Hold'em events, setting records for both non-Hold'em and mixed-game wins. He also won a WPT title in 2008 after several near misses, pushing his WPT earnings past $4 million, and nearly claimed an EPT title in 2006.

A fixture in high-stakes cash games, Ivey famously won over $16 million in a 2006 heads-up match against billionaire Andy Beal. He was also a key figure in Full Tilt Poker’s early days, earning millions online.

Despite his achievements, Ivey's career has faced legal controversies over edge-sorting, leading to high-profile court cases with major casinos.

Personal life

Born in Riverside, California, Ivey moved to Roselle, New Jersey, at a young age and later graduated from Old Bridge High School. He currently resides in Las Vegas. In his personal life, Ivey married Luciaetta for seven years before their divorce in December 2009. He is known to be a Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets fan. Outside of poker, his interests include sports betting, prop betting, and golf, even participating in the World Series of Golf.

Ivey has also demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy. In 2008, he donated to a Las Vegas charity for underprivileged children and established the Budding Ivey Foundation to honor his grandfather. The foundation has supported various causes, including children's literacy and programs for the homeless. He has also partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Additionally, Ivey ventured into the business side of poker, founding Ivey Poker, a free-to-play poker app, in 2012, and Ivey League, a poker training site, in 2014.

Revenue

As of 2023, Phil Ivey's total live tournament winnings exceed $38.3 million, placing him among the top earners in poker history. He has achieved eleven cashes in live tournaments worth at least $1 million each. Over $9.2 million of his total winnings have been earned at the World Series of Poker. His success in high-stakes cash games has contributed significantly to his overall revenue, although specific figures are not publicly available.

Interesting facts

His fake ID nickname, "No Home Jerome," originated from his early days playing in Atlantic City.

He is one of only a handful of players to win three WSOP bracelets in a single year (2002). All eleven of his WSOP bracelets have been won in non-Hold'em poker variants.

At 38, he was the youngest player to win ten WSOP bracelets, breaking Phil Hellmuth's record.

Legacy

Phillip Ivey's legacy in the world of poker is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted and strategically brilliant players of all time. His mastery across various poker disciplines, particularly in non-Hold'em games, sets him apart. His eleven World Series of Poker bracelets place him second only to Phil Hellmuth Jr., solidifying his position among the game's elite. Beyond his tournament accolades, his legendary exploits in high-stakes cash games have further cemented his mythical status. While contentious, even the controversies surrounding the edge-sorting incidents have become part of his unique and complex narrative. In 2017, his monumental contributions to the game were formally recognized with his election to the Poker Hall of Fame, an honor that underscores his lasting impact on the sport. Ivey's intense focus, exceptional reading abilities, and fearless approach to the game have inspired countless aspiring poker players and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.