Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker 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 final 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 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 achievements to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.