California psychologist Jerry Yang pounced when he sensed weakness. When he needed outside help, his prayers were answered. Yang began playing poker only two years ago, but he quickly jumped from eighth in chips at the final table and won the World Series of Poker’s main event. He used his dominant position to knock out seven challengers and take home an $8.25 million payday and poker’s most coveted bracelet early Wednesday morning.

Norwegian Annette Obrestad became the youngest bracelet winner in World Series of Poker history early today by winning the main event at the first-annual World Series Of Poker Europe, presented by Betfair.com.

The 18-year-old online poker prodigy from Norway outlasted 361 other players at the five-day £10,000 no-limit hold'em event in London's Leicester Square.

"I never expected to win," said Oberstad, who turns 19 this week. "I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say."

Obrestad - better known by her online alias Annette_15 - recently agreed to a sponsorship deal with Betfair.com, which will see her become a constant presence on the live-tournament circuit.

"This might be a cause of some dismay to many of the top pros that she knocked out in this tournament," said Betfair's Head of Poker Ben Fried. "She is a fearsome poker player and commands great respect at the table. It is fantastic to have her as a member of Team Betfair."

Her victory over 22-year-old John Tabatabai of London came when her three sevens beat his two pair.

Obrestad won the £1 million (or $2,013,102) first-place prize and the WSOP bracelet. Tabatabai earned £570,150 (or $1,147,770) for second place.