Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

He started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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 compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.