Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.