Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.

Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.