Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.

He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.

Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.