Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "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 Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.