Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.