Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few 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 next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.