Two years ago, Jerry Yang started playing poker. Now the 39-year-old has accomplished what most poker players only dream of: a first-place win at the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Yang took the title in 2007, along with the coveted bracelet and the $8.25 million in prize money after 16 hours of play. His heads-up match against second-place winner Tuan Lam lasted about one hour and ended when Yang hit runner-runner to make a nine-high straight against his Canadian foe.

Yang was born in Laos, but now lives in Temecula in southern California. It was at the local Pechanga Resort and Casino that Tran parlayed a $225 satellite buy-in to a seat at the World Series of Poker Championship.

When not at the poker table, Tang is employed as a psychologist and social worker, a career he fell into after completing a masters degree in health psychology. He is also married with six children.

After making the final table of the Main Event, Yang promised to give 10% of his winnings to three charities: the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Feed the Children and the Ronald McDonald House.