Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.