Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the better 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 headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.