Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.