Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened 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 wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated 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 headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.

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