Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.

He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the well 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. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.