Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental comments from others destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.

Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing 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.

Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.