Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.