Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

He started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.