Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

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