Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.

He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.