Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about poker. He would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. 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 decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.