Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

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