Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.

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