Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game 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. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.