Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He 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 undying love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.