Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.