Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.

He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.

Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.