Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.

He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.

Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.