Jamie Gold
Jamie Gold is not only a talented film producer but also one of the most successful poker players of all time. With a WSOP Main Event Bracelet, his participation in multiple seasons of Poker After Dark, and a total winnings exceeding 12 million dollars, Jamie Gold can look back on an exceedingly accomplished career.
Furthermore, Jamie Gold, born in Kansas City in 1969, is considered one of the most renowned activists in the industry today. He frequently appears on television shows and, after a few years of absence, will be making a comeback in the most popular poker events in the United States in 2023. Discover all about his past and what to expect from Jamie Gold in the future here.
| Land | Professional since | Favorite games | Bracelets | Highest profit | total profits | The Money List (2023) of All Time | Global Poker Index (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2005 | Texas Hold'em | 1 | 12.000.000 € | 12.588.364 € | 33 | - |
| Hometown: | Kansas City, Missouri (USA); Malibu, California |
| Interesting facts: | Through my contact with Johnny Chan in the production of a poker show, I became involved in professional poker. |
| Key moments in poker: | The victory in the 2006 WSOP Main Event marked the beginning of his career as a professional poker player and the most significant turning point. |
| Number of WSOP Bracelets: | 1 |
| WPT/EPT Winnings: | 0 |
| Total tournament winnings: | 12.588.364 € (Stand 2023) |
Jamie Gold before his poker career
Jamie was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1969 and later moved to Manhattan in New York City with his mother when he was a child. He developed a fascination for the media and entertainment industry even before that, and at the age of 16, he began working at a talent agency. By the time he turned 20, he had been promoted to a talent agent at the agency, where he had the opportunity to represent notable figures such as actress Lucy Liu and entertainer Jimmy Fallon. Pursuing his passion, Jamie went on to study media law at the prestigious UCLA, the University of California in Los Angeles.
His career in the television industry eventually led him to poker. Producing a TV show with professionals Johnny Chan and Chris Moneymaker in 2003-2004 provided him with profound insights into the poker scene, which captivated him from then on. Additionally, he had the opportunity to not only befriend Johnny Chan but also have him as a poker mentor, teaching him all the necessary tips and tricks.
First successes and the title of world champion.
After experiencing several more triumphs in the spring of 2006, he finally took part in the WSOP that summer, marking an extraordinary debut akin to Chris Moneymaker's! In his very first appearance, he effortlessly secured the $10,000 NLHE Main Event, bagging an astonishing $12 million in the process! This unprecedented accomplishment propelled Jamie Gold into the spotlight once and for all, solidifying his recognition as one of the world's premier poker players.
However, behind the scenes, his success also led to some disputes. Crispin Leyser, the representative of Bodog Online Casino, the sponsor, had paid for the producer's buy-in and was supposed to receive half of his winnings in return. However, after Gold's victory, disagreements arose, which eventually ended up in court. Gold was paid $6 million, and the remaining amount was frozen for the duration of the legal process. Ultimately, both parties reached an out-of-court settlement, and it was never revealed how much of his prize money he ultimately had to give to Bodog.
Further poker career and success as a television producer.
However, Jamie Gold did not rest after his WSOP success and huge winnings. Unlike many of his colleagues, he didn't just focus on playing poker, but also remained true to his original profession and continued working as a television producer. He often dedicated himself to the topic of poker and even participated in TV formats such as Living the Life or Ghost Adventures. Additionally, he was part of Poker After Dark from 2007 to 2008.
Although Gold did not win any more bracelets thereafter, he continued to achieve success in poker. He represented his country in the Poker Nations Cup 2008 held in Cardiff and earned numerous cash prizes in various WSOP events. However, after 2010, Jamie Gold's presence in the poker scene significantly decreased, and he only sporadically participated in tournaments. Nevertheless, even during these infrequent appearances, he managed to make it to the final table on occasion. A notable example was the WSOP 2015, where he secured fifth place and a prize of $120,000 in the $1,500 NLHE event.
In an interview conducted in 2023, he expressed his intention to refocus on his poker career and participate in more tournaments in the future. However, he acknowledged the need to relearn the game due to its significant changes. Despite the passage of time since 2023, he has only participated in a limited number of events. Nevertheless, he managed to achieve an impressive second place at the WSOP Circuit Main Event in Los Angeles in the same year.
