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Chris Moneymaker is one of the most recognizable names in the world of poker. As the winner of the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, Moneymaker’s victory helped fuel the poker boom and revolutionized the game.
Despite the fact that his unforeseen win took place a little more than two decades ago, he remains an icon in the world of poker. As was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he’s since embraced his role as an ‘Everyman’ ambassador, using his clout to push for legislation legalizing online poker.
All in all, his journey from amateur to poker legend is more than just a compelling underdog story—it’s a testament to the power of the online poker revolution and the potential for anyone, regardless of experience, to make it big. As of 2025, Moneymaker’s estimated net worth is reported to be around $4 million, and he continues to be an influential figure in the poker world.
Early life
Born on November 21, 1976, in Atlanta, Georgia, Moneymaker grew up with an affinity for competitive games. Yet, Moneymaker wasn’t always destined for poker stardom. Before making his mark on the poker world, Moneymaker led an unassuming life. He attended Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, and went on to obtain a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. After completing his education, Moneymaker worked as a comptroller while taking part-time employment at a local restaurant in Spring Hill.
His introduction to poker came in the late 1990s when he started playing casually with friends. It wasn’t until he discovered online poker sites like PokerStars, though, that his life would take a dramatic turn. At the time, online poker was beginning to grow in popularity, and Moneymaker, like many others, was captivated by the idea of playing poker for real money from the comfort of his home. With no formal poker training or professional experience, Moneymaker began to hone his skills in online poker rooms.
Professional career
Moneymaker’s professional poker career took off in 2003 when he won the WSOP Main Event. His victory is often cited as the catalyst for the online poker boom of the early 2000s, which is now referred to by many as the ‘Moneymaker effect.’ Moneymaker had qualified for the WSOP through an $86 satellite tournament on PokerStars, which allowed him to enter the prestigious Main Event. Here, he went head-to-head against some of the scene’s most notable players, including Sam Farha, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Humberto Brenes, Howard Lederer, and Phil Ivey. As we discussed in a previous article, Ivey is considered one of the most accomplished professional poker players in the world, winning a total of 10 WSOP bracelets, and garnering him the nickname the ‘Tiger Woods of Poker.’
Moneymaker’s remarkable win against poker veterans—claiming the $2.5 million grand prize—was a moment of poker history. Many might recall that Moneymaker astounded commentators like ESPN’s Norman Chad, who exclaimed the iconic phrase, “This is beyond fairy tale. It’s Inconceivable!” Moneymaker proved that an amateur player could triumph over the best in the world. This win inspired countless players to try their hand at poker, leading to the explosive growth of the game in the following years.
Endorsements and partnerships
One aspect that has kept Moneymaker relevant in the poker world for decades is his ongoing endorsement deals and partnerships. Among his biggest sponsorship deals was with PokerStars. After his victory, he became a global ambassador for the site, appearing in numerous promotional campaigns and representing the brand at major tournaments. According to Forbes, Moneymaker has also worked with the nonprofit interest group Poker Players Alliance for many years, as he strived to bring online poker back into the country.
In recent years, Moneymaker has shifted his professional affiliations. Currently, his most significant partnership is with ACR Poker, one of the largest and most reputable online poker platforms in the US. ACR Poker has a long history of hosting huge online poker events, including some of the biggest cash games and tournament series in the country. Moneymaker’s partnership with ACR has helped the site grow in stature, particularly as online poker has regained popularity in regulated markets.
In addition to his partnership deals, Moneymaker has entered other poker-related ventures, including a series of branded merchandise and training materials available on his website, Moneymaker Poker Tour. These ventures, combined with his poker earnings, have contributed to his impressive net worth.
FAQs
What happened during Moneymaker’s greatest bluff?
The most iconic moment of Moneymaker’s WSOP victory occurred during the final heads-up battle against Sam Farha, which became known as the ‘Bluff of the Century’. With the title on the line, Moneymaker made an incredibly bold move, going all-in with nothing more than a high card of king. At the time, Farha held a much stronger hand: a pair of nines. He confidently questioned Moneymaker’s play, remarking, “You must have missed your flush draw, huh?”—a sign that he thought Moneymaker was bluffing due to a missed draw.
However, Farha’s read on the situation turned out to be a miscalculation. The final hand saw Moneymaker holding a five of diamonds and a four of clubs, and Farha with a jack of hearts and a ten of diamonds. The flop revealed a five of spades and a four of clubs, giving Moneymaker two pair. Farha, on the other hand, had top pair with the jack on the board, which made it seem as though he was in a better position. Farha went all-in, but Moneymaker called, and the turn card revealed an eight of diamonds, with the river card completing the hand—a five of hearts, giving Moneymaker a full house.
How did Moneymaker change the world of poker?
As previously mentioned, Moneymaker’s win is widely regarded as the catalyst for the poker boom. In fact, in the year following Moneymaker’s victory, the Main Event field more than tripled to 2,576. It grew again in 2005, more than doubling to 5,619 when the WSOP moved from Binion’s Horseshoe to the Rio Convention Center. The prize pool has also blown up since Moneymaker’s big win. Per CNN, 2023 WSOP Main Event winner Daniel Weinman took home a staggering $93,399,900 in prize money. In addition, he bagged the WSOP Main Event bracelet containing 500 grams of 10-karat yellow gold and over 2,000 various precious gemstones.
Does Moneymaker still play poker?
To this day, Moneymaker actively engages with the poker community through streaming events, participating in exclusive promotions, and taking part in Ambassador Meet-Up Games organized by ACR Poker. For this year’s games, Moneymaker will be joined by pros like Chris Moorman, Ebony Kenney, Rene Nezhoda, and more. At the event, players of all levels can battle it out and connect with poker pros or catch all the excitement online via the platform’s Twitch channel.
As of 2025, Moneymaker’s legacy as one of the game’s most influential figures is secure, and his continued involvement in poker will likely keep him at the forefront of the industry fo years to come. For more content like this visit the Patty360 website where we cover the latest news around gaming, entertainment, sports, and technology.