Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last 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 game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

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