Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.