Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player on the planet by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.

Phil started playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.

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