Interview: Jerry Yang Pursues New Interests off the Felt

Jerry Yang (pictured) is originally from Temecula, California, but he now resides here in Central California, and he even has a restaurant in nearby Merced. Pocket 8’s Sushi & Grill is named for the winning hand in the 2007 World Series of Poker Main that made him a world champion. Yang also took home $8.4 million for that victory, and he donated 10 percent of those winnings to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Feed the Children, and Ronald McDonald House charities, as well as his alma mater Loma Linda University.

Yang is very proud of his faith in God, and in fact he is currently studying to become a missionary. We caught up with Yang during a break in the action on Day 1A at the WPTDeepStacks Central California Main Event, and he let us know how his tournament day is going in addition to some his new pursuits off the felt.

WPTDeepStacks: What brought you up the road to play in the WPTDeepStacks Central California Main Event?

Yang: I occasionally play here, and my restaurant is just 20 minutes down the street from here. It’s very convenient for me to come out and play. I have not been coming out to play lately, it’s been a year since I’ve been here. I heard about this WPTDeepStacks event, and I just thought I would come by.

WPTDeepStacks: How has your Day 1A gone so far? Have you played any memorable hands yet?

Yang: So far so good. I knocked out somebody when I flopped a straight, good luck for me. I think I have 50,000 now.

WPTDeepStacks: Can you tell me a little about your restaurant?

Yang: It’s down the street on 99. It serves Japanese sushi, like Benihana style. It’s called Pocket 8’s, I named it after my last hand the year that I won. I do a little bit with that, and a little bit of real estate investments on the side. I’m actually studying to be a missionary right now too. God is really calling me to do that, so I’ve been in a program for one year now, and I’ve got one more year to go. When I finish the program I will do some part-time missionary work. And when my kids are older I will probably do it full time.

WPTDeepStacks: Would you move abroad for that?

Yang: Yeah definitely, maybe Vietnam or Laos.

WPTDeepStacks: One last question for you. Since you’re a local to the area, what is something you would recommend for players to do here if they have free time?

Yang: Yosemite National Park is a little ways away, but definitely go there if you have time. Yosemite is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could also go to Downtown Merced, every town has their own history and beauty so drive around. Hey, you can swing by Pocket 8’s. We’ve got great sushi at my restaurant. My restaurant has won best restaurant, and best Japanese dining for four years in a row in Merced County.