Jerry Yang - 2007 WSOP Champion

Jerry Yang is the new World Series of Poker champion. The Laos-born practicing psychologist from California was among the 6,350 players who entered the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold'em Main Event on July 6. 200 hands played later, Yang stood from the final table to claim his $8,250,000 million cash prize, a Corum watch and, of course, the coveted WSOP gold bracelet.

The ethnic Hmong immigrant was nearly the shortest stack when final table began play at about noon on July 17. But a couple of hourse later, Yang eliminated odds on favorite Philip Hilm from Denmark. The new champion revealed that he depended heavily on gut feel and poker tells to overcome his opponents.

"I study my opponents very carefully, and when I sensed something, when I sensed some weakness, I took a chance," said Yang, 39. "Even if I had nothing, I decided to raise, reraise, push all-in or make a call."

This is Yang's first cash in at the WSOP, and what a payout this is. His win instantly catapulted him into the Top 10 poker money-makers. But the good-hearted doctor plan to share his blessings.

From the time he made it into the money with a guaranteed $20,320 a week ago, Yang vowed to give 10 percent to charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Feed the Children, and the Ronald McDonald House. After making $8.25 million, Yang said he planned to put his children through college, allow his wife to quit working and give back to the community.

This father of six, who,won his seat to the Main Event in a $225 satellite, grew up under tough conditions in the mountains of Laos. No wonder helping the less fortunate is part of his agenda.

Yang played under Team Full Tilt Poker, no doubt he'll continue playing under the FTP banner. Shortly after winning, the new World Poker Champion announced he's contemplating quitting his job. But why not, now that he has a new career: a professional poker player.

Jerry Yang's Poker Tournament Record: