Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.