Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players in the world.

He started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well 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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.