Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.