Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.