Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "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 Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.

Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.