Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

He began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 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 destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills 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 greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.

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