Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements 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 abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.