Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 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.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.