Jamie Gold won the 2006 WSOP Main Event for a then-record first-place score of $12,000,000. We got his thoughts on the upcoming World Series of Poker in Las Vegas this summer.
What were your favorite events on the schedule last year? And which events are you planning to play this summer?
The Main is the Main and always the most exciting for me. Besides that, I love the half PLO/half NLH events and the deeper stack tournaments.
I haven't decided on my schedule yet, but I will likely play in 10 WSOP events. I had a decent run last summer but want to cash in more than four events this time and go much deeper.
I love the cash games and look forward to those as well.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a former Main Event champion for you?
I like to inspire more people each year to partake in our creative ways of making the cash games more fun, within the rules, and respectfully.
Now that the WSOP is under the leadership of GGPoker, are you expecting things overall to be different or business as usual?
I was in the Bahamas in December for the first major event series since the sale to GGPoker. I can tell you first-hand how special that was. They invested so much time and money to give us the greatest experience possible. It was amazing to see.
I haven't heard yet what new changes may be happening in Vegas. That's still a Caesars event for the next 20 years. We can expect it to be similar in at least some ways.
But it’s always the most exciting time for me when the Main Event happens. There's just something so special about it. I still get that feeling every year, even after being so fortunate to have won it my first time playing in it.
What has been your biggest pet peeve most recently at the WSOP events?
I know many people think the lines are the issue, but if they just sign up online or live and use the kiosks in advance, there has never been much of a wait. So, it's not that.
I'm a creature of comfort, so having healthier, high-end food and water options closer to us would make it more convenient. But not everyone cares about it as much as I do. They have to provide for the masses.
I think more delivery options for the tables would be ideal. I realize it may be tied up with union issues and out of their control at the venues.
What did you enjoy the most as the reigning Main Event champion the year following your epic win?
It was a tough time as my dad was dying. We didn't know how long he had left, making it hard to enjoy that year after. I just wish I had more time with him.
What do you enjoy most about your life 19 years after your WSOP win?
I am so fortunate that I live on my own schedule. I can just focus on the companies and projects I advise and choose to invest my time in them. They inspire me.
I can also spend more time with my family and friends without a preset schedule. That is very wonderful. It's not for everyone; I realize how rare it is to be able to do that, and I really appreciate it.
The older I get, the more I value time. It is just how I structured my life before and after winning the WSOP that allows me this life now.
Jamie Gold is currently partnered with a portfolio of companies in sports and gaming, film, tech and media, as well as investment funds. For more info, check out Winible, edgeboost, and Victory Sports Media. You can follow Jamie on X and Instagram.
