Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number 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 next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.