Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.