Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "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 Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.

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