Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "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 Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.