Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.