Xao Jerry Yang was born in 1968 in Laos. He is an American professional poker player also known as "The Shadow", currently lives in Temecula, California. Yang emigrated with his family at 1979, after spending four years in a refugee camp in Thailand and escaping Laos that was taken over by the communists. The family has gone through difficult times then, dealing with the loss of Jerry's brother and sister.
Today, He is married and has six children. Despite language problems Jerry Yang holds a Master's degree in health psychology from Loma Linda University. He graduated High school and college with honors, bringing pride to his family and especially his father. During the years later to come, Jerry Yang worked as a therapist and a social worker. He quit his job after winning the 2007 World Series.Yang has various kinds of hobbies – Reading, hiking, camping, water sports and dancing.
Unlike his father, Jerry Yang believes that playing poker isn't against God's will. He started to play poker at the year 2005. He found his way to the 2007 WSOP after winning a satellite at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Prior to the World Series, he had four cashes in local California events.Being one of the last to stay after defeating 6,358 players, Jerry Yang quickly jumped from eighth in chips at the final table and won the World Series of Poker’s main event. He used his dominant position to knock out seven challengers and take home an $8.25 million payday and poker’s most desirable bracelet. During the games, whenever Yang found himself in an all-in situation, he would kiss the picture of his children and would often say a prayer.
Winning the tournament was an outcome of an aggressive strategy combined with the ability to identify weakness among other players. Although referring to day Jerry Yang landed in the U.S.A the best day of his life, the night of winning the WSOP will always be considered as one of the best and happiest moments a person can have. As an outcome of winning the Main Event, Jerry Yang is currently ranked 11th in the all time money list for live poker tournaments. His goal is to be one of the best and respected poker players in the world and own a private business.
After making $8.25 million, Yang said he planned to put his children through college so they can acquire the proper education and allow his wife to quit working. In addition to that, Yang vowed to give 10 percent to charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Feed the Children, and the Ronald McDonald House. To his words: "I know what being poor means, and I'll be honored to give something back".
WINNINGS
2007 Binion's Poker Open
No-Limit Hold'em Championship Event
10/30/2007 $1,324.00
2007 38th Annual World Series of Poker
Event 55 - World Championship No-Limit Hold'em
07/17/2007 $8,250,000.00
2006 Holiday Bonus Tournament
No-Limit Hold'em
11/14/2006 $1,408.00
2006 National Championship of Poker
No-Limit Hold'em Event 7
10/24/2006 $6,985.00
2006 WSOP Tournament Circuit- Harrah's San Diego
No-Limit Hold'em
02/28/2006 $805.00
2006 L.A. Poker Classic (WPT)
No-Limit Hold'em
01/24/2006 $2,871.00
Cashes – 5
Total winnings - $8,270,230