Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

He began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well 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 Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.