Moneymaker made history by winning the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, becoming the first champion to qualify through online poker.
Credit: @cmoneym21 on Instagram
Chris Moneymaker is undoubtedly one of the most iconic players in professional poker. In fact, celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in films like “Don’t Look Up” and “Titanic,” have even approached Moneymaker to express their admiration for the poker pro. In a previous interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the card player shared that the Oscar-winning actor once told him he was a big fan. Today, Moneymaker’s transition from being an accountant and amateur online player to becoming one of the most successful players in the world is undoubtedly the stuff of legend.
Behind Moneymaker’s success, however, is an inspiring story of hard work and perseverance, even when the cards were stacked against him. But how exactly did Moneymaker become one of the most recognizable names in poker? In this article, we delve into his journey:
Rise to fame
Moneymaker made history by winning the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, becoming the first champion to qualify through online poker. This victory sparked the early 2000s poker boom dubbed “The Moneymaker Effect,” marking a sudden surge in interest in online poker. Soon after, this led to a significant growth of net-based poker players who took their cue from Moneymaker and began playing against seasoned and more well-known professionals in now more accessible online tournaments. His success, however, was not an easy feat.
Moneymaker, who was working as an accountant then, earned a seat at the WSOP in an $86 satellite on PokerStars. Prior to this, competing at this level was notoriously difficult for players without sponsors or backers who could help fund their bankrolls and manage the logistics of traveling to venues. He fought his way to the final table, beating seasoned professionals like Phil Ivey. No one knew who Moneymaker was when he entered the Main Event, where he went up against experienced player Sam Farha. Despite being an underdog, Moneymaker won and took home $2.5 million, beating 839 contenders. Following his victory, the Main Event field increased to more than 8,000 in three years due to a rise in interest in poker, with more iGaming players inspired to follow in Moneymaker’s footsteps. In 2019, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
Key partnerships
Two decades after winning in the 2003 WSOP, Chris continues to headline poker events as a pro player, including his Moneymaker Tour that draws poker fans across Aruba, Florida, Las Vegas, and many other destinations. A resounding success, the tour will carry on into 2025, with Moneymaker now offering 30 packages for fans and aspiring players who want to compete at the Main Event. This is being offered in cooperation with ACR Poker. Moneymaker is also a poker pro for ACR Poker, which happens to be the leading platform for online poker in the US. ACR Poker has been at the forefront of industry innovations, such as adopting cryptocurrencies and providing 24/7 access to huge tourneys since its launch in 2001, just a couple of years before Chris made his global splash. Currently, this partnership is largely how Moneymaker continues to make an impact both on the felt as a player, an influence, and even as a champion toward more widespread online poker legalization in the US.
Lasting legacy
Amidst his success in headlining his tour and partnering with the country’s top poker platform, Moneymaker is not showing any signs of taking a break from the game. Last year, he proved that he still has what it takes to dominate the game after winning the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Montenegro. There, he walked away with the grand prize of $903,000 and outsmarted a star-studded table that included Brian Kim and Adrian Mateos. His sustained success at the poker table and beyond is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most influential players in the world.
Today, online poker continues to experience steady growth, in no small part thanks to the spark that Moneymaker started. According to Business Research Insights, the global online poker platform's market size was $107.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $238.84 billion by 2033, highlighting the popularity of virtual poker. Additionally, since he continues to advocate for online poker legalization, Moneymaker will be forever remembered for his support in this arena should more states accept this form of iGaming.
From being an underdog at the most prestigious poker tournament in the world to becoming one of the top professional poker players today, Chris Moneymaker has proven that you should never let the odds get you down. For more like this, please visit Hollywood Progressive.
