Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

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