Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "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 play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.