Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.

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