Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching period 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 first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

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