Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.

He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.

Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.