World Series Of Poker 2006

Jamie Gold of California poses with his mentor, poker legend Johnny Chan, after Gold won the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 11, 2006. Gold outlasted more than 8,700 other players to win the top prize of $12 million.

Jamie Gold of California hugs his mother, Jane Gold, as he stands next to the pile of $12 million he won in the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 11, 2006. Jane was in the audience every day to watch her son.

Jamie Gold of California holds some of the $12 million he won in the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 11, 2006. The original World Series of Poker was started in 1969 by Tom Moore of San Antonio at the Holiday Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nev., and was an invitational event.

Jamie Gold, left, of California kisses his girlfriend, Ashley Lynne Nataupsky, after he won the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 11, 2006.

Greg "Fossilman" Raymer, left, the 2004 World Series of Poker champion, and last year's champion, Joe Hachem, applaud as they are introduced during a parade of champions during the 2006 World Series Of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event final table at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Michael Binger of California competes at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Rhett Butler of Maryland competes at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Players compete at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Doug Kim of New York competes at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Richard Lee of Texas stacks his chips after winning a pot at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Erik Friberg of Sweden competes at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Friends of Erik Friberg hold Swedish flags as they root for him at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Dan Nassif, left, of Missouri and Jamie Gold of California stand behind Allen Cunningham of Nevada as they wait for the results of a hand that resulted in Gold knocking Nassif out of the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006. Nassif earned more than $1.5 million for his ninth-place finish.

Jane Gold watches her son, Jamie Gold, compete at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Allen Cunningham of Nevada stretches as he competes at the final table of the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2006.

Jamie Gold of California waits to see the result of an all-in hand as he stands next to poker legend Johnny Chan during the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 8, 2006. Chan, who won the tournament in 1987 and '88, busted out on his first day of competition.

From left, Rhett Butler of Maryland, Doug Kim of New York and Jamie Gold of California congratulate each other after it was announced that they were all instant millionaires for being among the last 12 players in the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 8, 2006.

Jeffrey Lisandro of Italy competes during the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 8, 2006. Lisandro finished in 17th place, earning $659,730.

Massage therapist Laura Estrada gives Jamie Gold a massage as he competes in the World Series of Poker no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 7, 2006.

Richard Gryko stacks his chips while waiting for other players to play at the World Series of Poker at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 5, 2006.

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