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Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.

He started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few 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 headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.