Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker player in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.

He started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.