Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.