Rose from obscurity to win the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003.
Easily one of the most recognizable names in the poker world, Chris Moneymaker rose from obscurity to win the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event. Before winning that landmark tournament Moneymaker was an accountant leading a relatively simple life and earning a modest income in Tennessee. Now he's a certified poker celebrity.
Chris' rise through the poker ranks started with an online satellite tournament. It all began with $39 that the talented Moneymaker turned into a 2.5 million dollar payday, beating out some of the world's best poker players along the way, including a dramatic victory over legend Sam Farha. Only time will tell whether Chris was more lucky than good that year, but either way, his performance helped spur the current poker revolution as more amateurs entered the game with thoughts of beating the pros on their home turf.
Lucky or not, Chris has proven his ability to challenge the established professionals, and it has transformed his life. Away from the tables, Chris is an outgoing and friendly person who regularly gives back to the community; he donated a reported $25,000 to cancer research after his 2003 WSOP victory. At the table, Chris is known as a gentleman, displaying good sportsmanship win or lose. While not nearly as aggressive as Gus Hansen, nor as creative as Daniel Negreanu, Chris is very good at changing gears during a game, making him difficult for opponents to read.
