Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete 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 the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.