Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.

Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.