Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.