Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.