Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He 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 poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.