Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

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