“I’ve seen the miracles of God with my own eyes.”

That’s what Jerry Yang said after winning the World Series of Poker and taking down the $8.25 million top prize.

Yeah, that’s some miracle.

Not to say winning the World Series of Poker isn’t impressive, it is – I can play for two hours before I go all-in hoping I’ll leave all-out. But impressive and miraculous are two different things. One is explainable, the other isn’t.

Mr. Yang’s story is not miraculous. He’s a professional psychologist in the U.S. who grew up poor in third-world Laos. Against strong odds, he took advantage of an opportunity, worked hard and has made a comfortable life for himself. Against strong odds, he also won an enormous amount of money gambling. Mr. Yang is thoroughly impressive. He might even be blessed. But if you asked me which of his accomplishments was more miraculous – “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs” – winning a month-long Texas Hold ‘Em tournament would not be it.