Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.