Road to the 2009 World Series of Poker with Jamie Gold

May 7, 10:40 PMLA Poker Tournament ExaminerAlex Gonzales

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There haven't been many who can say they've dominated the World Series of Poker Main Event quite like Jamie Gold did back in 2006. He was the chip leader on Day 4 and never looked back as he finished the tournament in 1st place for an historic and amazing $12,000,000 payday.

Whether you want to call it dumb luck or pure skill that prevailed him to that huge World Series win, there's no denying that Jamie's style of play has caught the attention of poker players around the world. For this once Hollywood agent who's schmoozed the entertainment world for years, Jamie has found a niche in the poker world where his Hollywood persona has carried over to the tables during play. Since his huge 2006 win that put him on the map, Jamie has been a positive face for the game of poker by fighting for the causes he mosts believes in by hosting and attending an array of charity events.

I had a chance to get this exclusive interview with Jamie Gold as he talks about his absence on the tournament trail and his plans for this year's World Series of Poker:..

Alex Gonzales:  There’s a lot of Jamie Gold nay-sayers out there, but I’m a huge fan when it comes to your style of play. You were first seen as a very aggressive and talkative player at the tables, so how has your exposure over the last few years changed your play going into 2009? What adjustments have you made while on the tournament trail?

Jamie Gold: Thank you for the kind words. I actually had no choice but to change my play as the rules of tournament play have changed.  It's funny that most tournaments don't let you speak about your hand at all, heads up. To me, and I know many other players like Daniel Negraneau feel the same. You might as well play only on the internet if you cannot use speech play in a fair and appropriate manner. 

Alex Gonzales: Everyone has seen you on High Stakes Poker a few times in very entertaining hands, most notably with Patrik Antonius. How often now are you playing cash games compared to tournament play? Have the cash games altered your big tournament game strategy?

Jamie Gold: I play when I have time, which lately hasn't been a lot. I have dedicated myself to many important causes and spend a good portion of my time hosting and attending charity events which is very fulfilling. There will be a time when I play more, travel more for poker and so forth, but for now I am using my time mainly to raise money for causes that are worthwhile and important.

Alex Gonzales: So now you’re currently the President of Production for Buzznation. What is your goal for this company and how do you see the company evolving as you play and promote them on the circuit?

Jamie Gold: Our mission was to produce television on behalf of brands, and that business model was very attractive a couple of years ago. The economy has forced us to regroup as brands are not spending that kind of money now,  so we are in the process of figuring out our future.

Alex Gonzales: You’re currently ranked #1 on the all time money list above legendary poker names like Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Scotty Nguyen, Erik Seidel, and T.J. Cloutier. I know you don’t consider yourself a true poker pro, but what kind of pressure, if any, does that give you when you begin a big tournament? Do you feel you have to prove yourself at the big events because people see you as the #1 ranked money earner?

Jamie Gold: Not at all. Actually I think those players all deserve to be on top of the list. If I do something well for 20 years I would hope I would be on top of my field. I was in the right place at the right time, played my best and circumstance put me there.  It won't last too long I'm sure and it's not something I am too concerned about.  If and when I ever decide to devote my full time and attention to playing poker and doing nothing else, it may be something I would like to compete for.

Alex Gonzales: The World Series of Poker is fast approaching at the Rio. What events are you planning on playing this year? Is that big $40,000 buy-in event going to be on your list of events to play?

Jamie Gold: I am not sure I will be back in time for that. I am excited to play in the Champions Invitiational against the other surviving Main Event Champions on May 31st. I never plan my events except for the Main event, depends on how I am feeling and what other business and personal obligations I have. I am a serious part time player, part time businessman, and full time philanthropist you could say.

Alex Gonzales: Being a part of World Series of Poker history with your incredible run in 2006, has it motivated you in 2009 to strive for another bracelet, or just kind of hang back, play, and have fun?

Jamie Gold: This year I would hope I could take the time to focus on it, haven't so much the last two years but we will see!

Alex Gonzales: Since all that has happened since your 2006 Main Event win and all your poker philanthropy you've accomplished, where do you see yourself in the poker world five years from now? What are your hopes in getting the game of poker seen in a better light and accepted by U.S. lawmakers as a true sport?

Jamie Gold: I don't plan that far ahead for myself. I do believe I am doing my part behind the scenes for poker, and will feel most satisfied when that law changes!

A big thank you to Jamie Gold for his participation in this article.

For more info on Jamie Gold, please visit JamieGold.com