Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed 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 dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.