Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better 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 moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.