Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from others destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.