Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

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