Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "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 Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.