Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by 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 winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

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