Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. 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.

He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.