Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

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