World Poker Tour

Jason Stern

Birthplace
San Jose, CA

Birthday
July 25

Total Winnings
$529,300

Some people learn from books. Other people learn from their elders. And, still others, like Jason Stern, learn from experience. His evolution from teenager to poker player had many different mutations. It began when he was still in his teens and, by his own admission, was not a very good card player.

"I had guys coming to our home games that were very good card players and taking our money," he said.

When Stern finally came of age, he still felt poker pulling him into the game. Rather than try to make a living playing cards, he found a way to pay the bills in a less risky way. He started dealing in a small card room. From there, he dealt cards at the World Series of Poker. And continued to deal cards in a San Jose card room. Then, one day, he put himself to a decision.

"I figured, you know, what the heck? You know, I didn't have any money saved up hardly at all, but it doesn't take a lot if you can get lucky," he said.

Whether it was luck, skill, or a lifetime of experience around the felt, Stern found a way to make professional poker more than a pipe dream. Within two years of starting his professional poker career, he made a World Poker Tour final table.

"I've really gotten lucky and that I've never really run into a bad streak since I've started," he said.

Now, it is up to Stern to make sure his experience continues to treat him well. It looks like he is off to a good start.