Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.