Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.