Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

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