Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the globe by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.