Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.

He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.

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