Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.

He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.