Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

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