Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.

Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.