Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.

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