Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better 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 moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.