Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-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 parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.