Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.