Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.