Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.