Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known 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 match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.

Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.