Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.