Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.