Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.