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Poker Profiles: Jamie Gold

2006 WSOP (World Series of Poker) Main Event champ Jamie Gold was born on August 25, 1969 as Jamie M. Usher. After his mom was awarded divorce from his father and married Dr. Robert Gold, Mrs. Gold ordered the court to change young Jamie's last name. He grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, enrolled in Paramus High School, and later took a degree from the State University of New York in Albany. His college life did not end there, however, because in 1991, Gold decided to take entertainment law at the University of California in Los Angeles.

At 16, Gold started a career in the entertainment business, doing intern duties at the J. Michael Bloom & Associates Talent Agency. During his early twenties, he decided to focus his attention on the management/production side of entertainment where his star shone and sparkled. A brush with established Poker pros Chris Moneymaker and Johnny Chan reignited Gold's love for Poker. The supposed production meeting also opened a new door of opportunity for him to earn serious cash.

2005 was the year Gold officially turned pro. He began appearing in Poker tournaments around California while playing his role as head of a production team dutifully. April of 2005 was a memorable time for him because it was when he earned his very first money finish in a No Limit Texas Hold'em event. After pursing over $50,000 in that event, Gold proceeded to earn more, being in at least seven money finishes over the next twelve months.

In the historical 2006 WSOP main event, Gold stuck to his chip lead towards the end. He eliminated 7 out of his 8 final table opponents including the wildly popular Allen Cunningham. The only player he missed during that round was Paul Wasicka whom fellow finalist Douglas Kim took cared of.

Gold was popularized by his uncanny ability at the Poker table combined with his being talkish. Whether truth or lie, what Gold says on the table almost always deceive his opponents and lure him to snatch the win. Although favorable to his end, fellow players and onlookers alike often criticize his tactic. He was even given a warning during the 2007 event for his habit of blatantly telling his opponents what his hand contains during play. Nevertheless, Gold remains to be one of the better players we have around. His record winnings have already exceeded the $12 million mark. Gold intended to use his Poker money to make his step-father more comfortable battling the Lou Gehrig's disease. Unfortunately, Dr. Gold was not able to enjoy much as he succumbed to death on December 13, 2006.

But Gold is determined to continue winning. He is currently signed in at Texasholdem.com where he is not to play just Poker pro duties but multimedia works as well.