Phil Ivey Biography
Phil Ivey Biography – Phil Ivey, often dubbed the “Tiger Woods of Poker,” is one of the most revered figures in professional poker. Born Phillip Dennis Ivey Jr. on February 1, 1977, in Riverside, California, he was raised in Roselle, New Jersey after moving there as an infant. His early fascination with poker began with five-card stud lessons from his grandfather, and his skills were sharpened in the Atlantic City poker scene under the alias “No Home Jerome.”
Profile
- Full Name: Phillip Dennis Ivey Jr.
- Date of Birth: February 1, 1977
- Age: 48 years old as of 2025
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Professional Poker Player
- Estimated Net Worth: $125 million
Phil Ivey Early Life
Phil Ivey’s rise in the poker world began in 2000 when he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in a Pot Limit Omaha event. This win launched a legendary career, with Phil Ivey eventually collecting 11 WSOP bracelets ranking him among the most successful players in the tournament’s history. He also holds two World Poker Tour titles and has reached numerous final tables in major tournaments worldwide.
What distinguishes Phil Ivey is his wide-ranging skill set. While many professionals focus on a specific game, Phil Ivey excels in multiple formats, including No-Limit Texas Hold’em and 2 – 7 Lowball Triple Draw. His strategic mind and psychological acumen make him one of the most formidable competitors in the game.
In addition to his tournament success, Phil Ivey has left a mark in high-stakes cash games, such as the famed “Big Game” in Las Vegas. He’s also earned substantial wins at global events like the Aussie Millions and Monte Carlo Millions.
Despite his fame, Phil Ivey prefers to keep a low profile, cherishing his privacy and inner circle. In 2017, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame an honor befitting a player whose impact on the game is immeasurable.
Phil Ivey’s journey is one of raw talent, perseverance, and evolution cementing his status as a poker icon whose influence is still deeply felt across the industry.
Phil Ivey Education
Phil Ivey attended Old Bridge High School in New Jersey. Rather than follow a traditional academic path, he pursued poker professionally in his late teens. His education came through hands-on experience at Atlantic City casinos, where he used a fake ID to play underage and honed his craft by closely observing and participating in real games.
Phil Ivey Daughter and Family Life
Although Phil Ivey is widely recognized for his achievements at the poker table, he is notably discreet about his personal life. He was married to Luciaetta Ivey from 2002 to 2009, and while their divorce attracted public interest, especially due to the financial settlement, both parties have kept their family life private.
Biographical sources indicate that the couple had two children a son named Phillip and a daughter named Luciaetta, who was named after her mother. However, Phil Ivey has never publicly discussed his children, and there are no confirmed appearances or interviews featuring them.
This discretion reflects Phil Ivey’s broader stance on privacy. Known for his calm, focused demeanor during play, he maintains a clear separation between his public poker persona and his family life, shielding his children from the spotlight that follows his fame.
Phil Ivey Age
Phil Ivey is 48 years old as of 2025, having been born on February 1, 1977. His age reflects not just longevity but a storied career that spans over two decades. Raised in New Jersey, Phil Ivey was introduced to poker at a young age by his grandfather. By his early twenties, he was already making a name for himself in Atlantic City, playing under the pseudonym “No Home Jerome” before reaching legal age.
At 48, Phil Ivey is not just a veteran; he remains a dominant presence. His victory at the 2024 WSOP his 11th bracelet proves that his game has only matured with time. While others have faded, Phil Ivey has continued to evolve, blending experience with a sharp tactical edge. He remains a benchmark for excellence and an inspiration to new players entering the game.
Phil Ivey Career
Phil Ivey’s career is a blueprint for poker greatness. Known for his adaptability and longevity, Phil Ivey’s poker journey began in the late 1990s. He initially gained entry to casinos using a fake ID and played under the moniker “No Home Jerome,” quickly gaining a reputation in the Atlantic City poker scene.
His big break came in 2000 with a WSOP victory in a Pot Limit Omaha event, marking the start of a prolific career. Over time, he has secured 11 WSOP bracelets and two World Poker Tour titles, reaching 11 WPT final tables. His versatility spans nearly every poker variant, from No-Limit Hold’em to 2–7 Lowball, making him one of the game’s most adaptable players.
Phil Ivey has also achieved notable success outside of tournaments, including a $3.6 million payday at the 2014 Aussie Millions. With career earnings surpassing $30 million, his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017 solidified his status as a legend.
More than just titles and cash, Phil Ivey’s legacy lies in his approach strategic, calm, and fiercely competitive redefining what it means to be a professional in the modern poker era.
Phil Ivey Family
While Phil Ivey is a household name in poker, his personal life remains largely out of the public domain. Born to Phil Ivey Sr. and Pamela Ivey, little is publicly known about his parents’ lives, but their support was instrumental during his early years.
His introduction to poker came from his grandfather, who taught him five-card stud a formative moment that sparked his lifelong passion. Though Phil Ivey has reached celebrity status, he remains protective of his family’s privacy.
His marriage to Luciaetta Ivey in 2002 ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2009. Although reports suggest they have two children, Phil Ivey has never spoken about them publicly, maintaining a firm boundary between his career and private life. This choice reflects his broader approach guarded, disciplined, and focused on keeping his loved ones shielded from public scrutiny.
Phil Ivey Net Worth
Phil Ivey’s financial success mirrors his dominance in the poker world. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $125 million. This wealth comes from a mix of tournament winnings, high-stakes cash games, business ventures, and sponsorship deals.
He has earned over $44 million in live tournament winnings, making him one of the top earners in poker history. Known for his aggressive style and sharp intuition, Phil Ivey has also profited immensely from private cash games, particularly in Las Vegas and Macau, where stakes can be astronomical.
Phil Ivey was also a founding partner of Full Tilt Poker, a major online platform that, before its legal troubles, helped generate significant income. Though he’s faced legal issues most notably regarding edge-sorting in baccarat his overall financial standing remains robust.
Beyond his earnings, Phil Ivey’s wealth is a reflection of his strategic mindset, both at the poker table and in business. His continued involvement in elite games and ventures ensures that he remains both a powerful player and a respected figure in the gambling world.