Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.

Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always strives to improve.

Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.