Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil 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 where he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.