Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from other people destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

He began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. 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 game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.