Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player on the globe by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.