Jerry Yang

Xao "Jerry" Yang was born in 1968 in Laos and is a poker player from Temecula, California who is the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion. He took home a whopping $8,250,000 for his win.

What is amazing about the win is Yang only started playing poker in 2005. He entered the 2007 World Series of Poker after winning a US$225 satellite at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Prior to the World Series, he had four cashes in local California events.

When Jerry got to the final table he was eighth in chips. He went on top take a big chip lead that he never let go of. Yang knocked out seven of the eight other players at the final table. It was down to Jerry Yang and Tuan Lam. Jerry won the title with 8c 8d against Lam's Ad Qd when he hit a nine-high straight on the river after Lam had caught a queen on the flop.

"I study my opponents very carefully, and when I sensed something, when I sensed some weakness, I took a chance." Yang said about the tournament, "Even if I had nothing, I decided to raise, reraise, push all-in or make a call...The only way that I could win this tournament was by being aggressive from the very beginning and that’s exactly what I did. And thank God I was also able to pick up some good cards at the same time."

Jerry Yang pledged to donate 10% percent of his winnings to three charities - the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Feed the Children, and the Ronald McDonald House, as well as his alma mater, Loma Linda University, once he was guaranteed a share of the prize money,

Jerry Yang currently ranks 8th in the all time money list for live tournaments as a result of winning the Main Event.


Fun Facts:

• Winner of the 2007 WSOP Main Event and $8.25 million after playing poker for 2 years.
• Won his 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event seat through a $225 satellite at his local casino
• Holds a masters degree in health psychology.
• Married with six children.