Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing 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 Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.