Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.