Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.

Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.