Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well 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. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.

Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.