World Series of Poker Class Act
I knew months ago who won the WSOP this year but was behind in watching the final table on ESPN. While watching the last episode of the final table one moment stood out. Eventual winner Jerry Yang, after knocking out the 3rd place finisher, told Raymond Rahme
“I want you to know you have a friend for life ok, you played very well, I have a lot of respect for you”.
I can’t remember seeing
such a display of class, humility, and sportsmanship. Now, I hadn’t seen any of the episodes prior to this that featured Yang, so for all I know he was a real jerk before the final table. I’m hoping that is not the case. Nevertheless, it was VERY refreshing to see that. It was unlike most of the outbursts you see where sportsmanship and class fly out the window each time a kid stands up and screams or dances.
Although a statement like that wouldn’t be appropriate at your average home tournament or even a Vegas daily tournament. Simply because they are not on a world stage. But this moment, soon to be seen by millions on ESPN, was a perfect time for ESPN to showcase something other than the antics we have become accostomed to seeing.
Congrats Jerry Yang, I like the cut of your jib 
I have mixed feelings on Yang. First off, he said that “friend for life” line to a bunch of the guys at the Final Table. I always wonder when I hear stuff like that from someone who just busted out a chump, would he have uttered the same friendly line if he himself had been busted? If so, then cool. But I have my doubts (yes, maybe I am being a cynical bastard). It’s like the guys in SnGs who say “gg” to everyone they bust, yet when they get busted, they don’t say “gg.” To me, that’s just being a douche.
Also, Yang prayed out loud to Jesus for good cards. Now, let’s assume Jesus really is divine, and listens to prayers, and sometimes grants them. OK, cool, but aren’t the cards already decided after the shuffle and cut? Is Yang asking Jesus to actually change the card to screw the other guy?
There was a great bit where, during an all-in between Yang and Lee Watkinson (possibly the best player at the final table) where Yang is praying out loud “Father, I know you have a plan for me today, don’t let me lose,” and Lee’s wife (I think) was in the audience praying out loud, “No weapon formed against him shall prosper [she is quoting the Bible here], make Lee a believer Father!” OK, so… What is Jesus to do now?? Both folks are beseeching Him for miracle cards, so who gets them??
It’s pretty ridiculous. I am more in favor of Greek style (in many ways): You pray for courage and strength going into battle, and they you get it on, and when it’s said and done, you give any glory to God (and that includes when you lose; I am sick of winners always thanking Jesus; I can’t wait to play in some huge tournament, have AA lose to 72o on the final hand, and say “and I want to thank Jesus for letting me come in 2nd today, against this heathen degenerate who is probably going to spend all his cash on hookers and blow”). Or, just stfu about it, and thank God quietly for all the blessings in life.
So, the point of my rant is, I think Yang seems OK, but the religious melodrama irritates me a bit. Thank you for your time.
P.S. The old dude and the Brit were the coolest guys at the FT.
To be fair, he did have a mic on, and there have been times in my old football and power lifting days that I said a little prayer before a particular play or particular lift (in powerlifting) . Had I had a mic on, the whole world would have heard it, with no mic it’s just me listening…
I am going to have to agree with Newsh on this one…
I have yet to see the final table on ESPN but I did read the Jerry Yang interview in Bluff. He just seems like a normal guy who lucked his way into a multi-million dollar win. I need to see how he played his hands to make a more informed decision but that is where I stand at this point.
However, I would like to know WTF is up with mixing poker and Jesus? If this guy is such a devout Christian what in the hell is he doing gambling?
Kenny, poker is not gambling.