Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.

Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.