Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing 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 skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.