Did Yami Yugi die as Pharaoh? - Answers

Yes. 3000/5000 (depending on which version you watch!) years before the storyline of the Duel Monster series, the Pharaoh Atem defeated, but was unable to destroy, an evil entity called Zorc, sealing it into the Millenium Ring at the cost of his own life - he sealed his own soul into the Millenium Puzzle. At the very end of the Duel Monsters series, he duels Yugi. If he wins, then he'll be forced to remain in the world for another 3000 years. However if Yugi wins, the two can be split, and the Pharaoh can pass on to the afterlife. Yugi does win, and the Pharaoh's soul passes on.