Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.