Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.

Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.