2026
02.24

Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.

He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.