Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

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