Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.

Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.