Jerry Yang, the 39-year-old psychologist and social worker from Temecula, California, won the World Series of Poker Main Event last night after a dominating final table performance in which he eliminated seven of his final eight opponents.

Yang was awarded the WSOP World Championship bracelet and $8.25 million for his historic victory, while runner-up Tuan Lam of Toronto, Canada, collected $4,840,981 for his second place finish.

Yang outlasted a field of 6,357 other competitors, the second largest live poker tournament in history, to claim the title of World Champion. Although Yang dominated the final table, the last hand was one of the most dramatic of the tournament. Yang raised pre-flop from the button and called after Tuan Lam re-raised all-in from the big blind. Yang held pocket eights, while Lam held Ace-Queen. A flop of Q-9-5 put Lam firmly into the lead, and it looked as though he would double up and extend the heads-up match. A 7 on the turn, however, gave Yang four more outs, as he needed an eight to make three-of-a-kind or a 6 to make a nine-high straight. As the crowd of hundreds held their breath, the dealer placed the 6 of Hearts on the river, giving Yang the straight and the winning hand.

“I’ve seen the miracles of God with my own eyes,” Yang said of his win in a post-tournament interview. “I did a lot of bluffing, also.”

Yang, who had no notable tournament finishes before the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event, won his way into the tournament for just $225. He said that he will donate 10% of his winnings to charity.

For more info on the winner and everything related to the 2007 World Series of Poker, visit www.worldseriesofpoker.com

Final Results

1. Jerry Yang $ 8,250,000
2. Tuan Lam $ 4,840,981
3. Raymond Rahme $ 3,048,025
4. Alex Kravchenko $ 1,852,721
5. Jon Kalmar $ 1,255,069
6. Hevad Khan $ 956,243
7. Lee Childs $ 705,229
8. Lee Watkinson $ 585,699
9. Philip Hilm $ 525,934

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