Poker Profiles: Jerry Yan
Jerry Yang was previously a psychologist and social worker in southern California where his family was living since 1979. He was originally from Laos where he was born in 1968. The politically unstable Laos environment forced his family to move to Thailand, live inside a refuge camp for four years, and transfer to the United States at the first sight of opportunity. Since moving to Temecula, California, the bitter episodes of Jerry's past which include losing two siblings at the refuge camp were put. He finished a degree in psychology at the Loma Linda University and worked as a therapist/social worker before he decided to go full time in Poker.
The thing that made Jerry decide to switch careers is no less than his 2007 World Series of Poker triumph. After pocketing $8,250,000 at the final table, Jerry immediately figured that Poker is now his life. Poker has changed what the future used to hold for his wife and his six children and he is certainly not letting go of the opportunity to earn more.
Jerry officially started his Poker career in 2005 by playing in local California cash events. When he took the big leap by playing at the WSOP, he was confident that four cash money wins in Temecula could make for a successful take at the WSOP. Sure, he was not mistaken but he clearly did not know that along it was a worldwide popularity, which he is currently enjoying.
What is interesting about Jerry is that he is not pursing jackpots all for himself. Due to his ugly past, he was able to acknowledge the need of the privileged to share their blessings. As such, he sees to it that he gives a percentage of his winnings back to charity. That heart of gold and the gambling ability sure makes Jerry a man to beat. His tournament strategy is simple yet effective. Jerry studies his opponents every move carefully. He takes a chance when he sense some weakness and withdraw when power against his is present. He is a very aggressive player who recognizes breaks as they come.
For the 2007 WSOP win alone, Jerry was made into the 8th spot of the live tournament money list which also bore the names Jamie Gold, Joe Hachem, Daniel Negreanu, and Phil Hellmuth Jr. among others. There is also the most coveted gold bracelet, which thousands hoped to get but only a few were lucky to do so. It is quite interesting to note as well that Jerry entered WSOP through a satellite. He was playing at the Pechanga Resort and Casino for the tournament and invested $225 for his entry. He was declared the Main Event champion at 3:35am local time. |
