Jerry Yang

Xao "Jerry" Yang was born in 1967 in Vientiane, Laos, into an ethnic Hmong family. When the communist Pathet Lao took control of Laos in the 1970s, his family fled to Thailand, where they spent four years in a refugee camp. During that time, a brother and sister of Yang died. His family eventually relocated to the United States, settling in California. Yang holds a master's degree in health psychology from Loma Linda University and worked as a psychotherapist and social worker before his poker career. He began playing poker in 2005 after watching a televised tournament and realizing he could read opponents. He is married and has six children.

In May 2007, Yang entered a $225 satellite tournament at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, winning a seat into the $10,000 World Series of Poker Main Event. At the time, he was an amateur player with only four previous cashes in local California events, including the 2006 L.A. Poker Classic and a WSOP Circuit event in San Diego. He entered the Main Event at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, competing against a field of 6,358 players.

Yang started the final table eighth in chips among the nine players. He quickly accumulated a large chip lead, knocking out seven of the other eight players. In the heads-up match against Tuan Lam, Yang held 8♣ 8♦ while Lam held A♦ Q♦. The board ran out 5♠ Q♣ 9♣ 7♦ 6♥, giving Yang a nine-high straight on the river to secure the title and the $8,250,000 first prize. After the 12-hour final table, Yang told Lam that he had a "friend for life." Reflecting on his strategy, Yang said, "I study my opponents very carefully, and when I sensed some weakness, I took a chance. 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." Once guaranteed a share of the prize money, he pledged to donate 10% of his winnings to charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Feed The Children, and Ronald McDonald House, as well as his alma mater, Loma Linda University.

As of 2014, the majority of Yang's live tournament winnings ($8,437,435) came from his Main Event victory. His total live earnings as of 2025 stand at $8,555,351, with a best live cash of $8,250,000. He ranks 204th on the All Time Money List, 95th among U.S. players, and 12th among California players. Beyond the Main Event, Yang has 42 live cashes, including 18 WSOP cashes and one WSOP bracelet. Notable subsequent results include: 5th place in the 2010 NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship ($75,000), 19th place in the 2023 WSOP Event #77: $777 Lucky 7's ($26,500), 40th in the 2014 WSOP Event #29: $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em ($11,449), and 71st in the 2025 WSOP Event #68: $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em ($13,234). In 2011, he authored a book titled All In, detailing his poker journey and life philosophy. He also owns a Japanese restaurant named Pocket 8's Sushi & Grill in Merced, California, a nod to the hand (pocket eights) that won him the championship. Yang continues to play in WSOP events and remains active in charitable work.

Yang is known for an aggressive and unpredictable style, often applying pressure with large bets and all-in moves. His ability to read opponents and take calculated risks was key to his Main Event success. He described his approach as studying opponents carefully and seizing on perceived weaknesses. Despite his amateur background, he displayed remarkable composure at the final table, following a strategy of relentless aggression combined with opportunistic card play. His nickname "The Shadow" reflects his quiet demeanor at the table, contrasting with his bold actions.

Yang resides in Temecula, California. He is an ethnic Hmong and has spoken about his refugee background as a source of resilience. He remains committed to philanthropy, regularly contributing to various charities. In addition to poker, he enjoys cooking and running his restaurant. As of 2025, he continues to participate in live tournaments, maintaining a presence in the poker community.