Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.

Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.

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