Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.