Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.