Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.