Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. 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 a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.