Back in 2003, Chris Moneymaker, an amateur poker player and full-time accountant, made history when he won the $10,000-entry World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event for $2.5 million. Moneymaker, who qualified for the tournament through an $86 online satellite tournament on PokerStars, changed the face of poker forever. He’s still doing it to this day.
A Moment of Poker History
Moneymaker’s win was considered a major upset 20 years ago. A virtual unknown in the world of professional poker, Moneymaker had limited live tournament experience and had never been in the situation of a final table like it in his life. What he did have, however, was momentum.
Moneymaker faced intense competition from some of the world’s top poker players, including Sammy Farha and Dan Harrington, at the final table, but Phil Ivey’s elimination helped. Despite being a newcomer to the WSOP Main Event, Moneymaker played with confidence and smart strategy, making calculated moves and aggressive bets at the right times. He was also able to read his opponents’ expressions and body language to gain an advantage.
The final hand of the tournament was an unforgettable moment in WSOP history. Moneymaker was heads-up against Sam Farha with a pair of eights and made a bold move to go all-in. Farha, holding a pair of queens, made the call but was beaten by Moneymaker’s straight on the river. Cue pandemonium.
The Moneymaker Effect
Moneymaker’s win had a major impact on the poker world, as it marked the beginning of the ‘poker boom’. His victory inspired many amateur players to try their hand at the game and sparked a wave of interest in poker, not limited to the real-life felt. The sudden surge in popularity led to a mushrooming of online poker sites, which made it easier for players to access the game and improve their skills… and play satellites to the biggest tournament in the world. Moneymaker was an everyday guy, but an inspiration to millions.
Moneymaker’s win also shattered the notion that only professional players could win major tournaments. His success proved that anyone could win big with a little luck and smart strategy. His win inspired countless amateur players to pursue their dreams of becoming professional poker players. Nicknamed ‘The Homer Simpson of Poker’ by many, his popularity was universal. Fans, media and fellow players all loved him.
Chris Moneymaker’s win at the 2003 WSOP Main Event was a turning point in the history of poker. His victory inspired a new generation of players, sparked a wave of interest in the game, and challenged the notion that only professional players could win major tournaments. Moneymaker’s win marked the beginning of a new era in the poker world, and it also launched his career as a professional poker player. Shortly after his historic win, Moneymaker signed with PokerStars, one of the largest online poker sites, as a member of their Team PokerStars Pro.
The Perfect Sponsored Poker Player
As a Team PokerStars Pro, Moneymaker represented the company at various live and online poker events, including the WSOP. He used his platform to promote the game of poker and inspire new players to take up the game. Moneymaker’s partnership with PokerStars was a perfect fit, as his charismatic personality and down-to-earth demeanor made him an ideal ambassador for the brand. He was known for his friendly approach to the game and his willingness to help others improve their skills.
During his time as a Team PokerStars Pro, Moneymaker continued to compete in live tournaments, regularly cashing in major events. He also released several instructional videos and wrote articles on strategy, sharing his expertise with the poker community. He didn’t stop there, turning his image into that of a philanthropist, using his platform to support various charitable causes. He established the Chris Moneymaker Poker Foundation, which raised money for various organizations supporting children in need.
Chris Moneymaker’s time as a Team PokerStars Pro was a defining period in his career. He used his platform to promote the game of poker, share his expertise, and give back to the community through his philanthropic efforts. Today, Moneymaker remains an important figure in the world of poker, and his impact on the game continues to be felt long after his magic moment. Having signed with Americas Cardroom, Moneymaker remains a sponsored pro and continues to inspire players of all levels. Every competition with his face put to it flies, such as this one from the 2023 PSPC which was only for a $109 PokerStars online tourney ticket.
Let's keep it simple, Best caption wins a $109 ticket @CMONEYMAKER @ACR_POKER pic.twitter.com/kj2woOHCsg
— Pokerguru740 (@RobKuhn_) January 31, 2023
Moneymaker By the Books
Today, Chris Moneymaker is still an active player for ACR and continues to be an inspiration to many in the poker world. His win at the 2003 WSOP Main Event remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of poker and a testament to the idea that anyone can win big with a little bit of skill and a lot of heart, but Moneymaker is so much more.
Chris Moneymaker Factfile:
- Born on November 21, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia as Christopher Bryan Smith, Moneymaker only used his famous surname as a gag to ESPN. “You should have seen their jaws drop. I knew I was gonna be on TV.” He said about it in 2021.
- Won the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, outlasting 838 other players to win the $2.5 million first prize, becoming the first player to win the WSOP Main Event through an online satellite tournament.
- Sparked the ‘poker boom’ of the early 2000s, inspiring countless amateur players to try their hand at the game, sharing his expertise with the poker community through instructional videos, articles, and appearances at live events.
- Became a member of Team PokerStars Pro, representing the brand at various live and online poker events, regularly cashing in major live tournaments, to date winning $4 million in tournaments alone.
- Established the Chris Moneymaker Poker Foundation, which raised money for various organizations supporting children in need.
- Moneymaker is an avid golfer and has played in several celebrity golf tournaments. He is married with two children and resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
