Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey 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 discover anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

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