Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.