Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.

He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil 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 passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.