Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals 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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

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