Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.

He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.