Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.