Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the globe by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including "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 Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.