How Poker Icon Chris Moneymaker Took Americas Cardroom to the Next Generation of Poker Sharks

When Chris Moneymaker shocked the poker world by winning the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, he didn’t just claim a $2.5 million prize—he lit the fuse on a poker boom that would change the game forever.

A Tennessee accountant with no live tournament experience, Moneymaker had earned his $10,000 WSOP seat through an $86 online satellite. His improbable win, capped by a legendary bluff against high-stakes pro Sammy Farha, became known as the “Bluff of the Century.” More importantly, his story sparked what is now known as the “Moneymaker Effect.”

In this article, we’ll take a look back at Moneymaker’s historic underdog victory and explore how he’s leveraged his poker icon status to inspire a new generation of poker players to step up to the felt.

How One Amateur Inspired Millions

Moneymaker’s 2003 victory sent shockwaves through the poker world. For the first time, millions saw that an ordinary online player could take on and defeat poker’s elite. His WSOP run wasn’t just lucky; it was gutsy, strategic, and inspirational. Overnight, poker transformed from a niche game for insiders to a global sensation. Online poker rooms saw a flood of new players hoping to replicate Moneymaker’s story. And, as of 2024, the US online poker market is still going strong. According to a report from Prophecy Market Insights, the US online poker market is projected to grow from $54.03 billion in 2024 to reach $183.30 billion by 2034.

In more tangible terms, participation in the WSOP Main Event also skyrocketed following Moneymaker’s win. Entries jumped from 839 players in 2003 to a staggering 8,773 by 2006, creating a total prize pool of $82,512,162. The trend culminated in a record-breaking 10,043 entries in 2023. That year, Daniel Weinman was the last man standing, taking home over $12 million in winnings. Yet, despite all the newcomers, Moneymaker’s legacy has never been overshadowed; it’s only grown.

From Champion to Ambassador

More than two decades after his breakout moment, Moneymaker is still pushing poker forward. As an ambassador for Americas Cardroom, he’s become a central figure in popularizing online poker for a new generation. Rather than rest on his Hall of Fame laurels, he’s helping young and recreational players find their footing in the game.

Among his most recent and notable efforts for this mission is the launch of the Moneymaker May-Hem promo with the help of Americas Cardroom. Throughout the month of May, every player who participates in the Sunday Moneymaker tournament and reaches a final table will earn a spot in a Final Sit & Go Showdown in June. The final showdown’s winner will then be awarded with a VIP package that includes a $10,000 Vegas Main Event as well as an opportunity to meet Moneymaker himself.

In addition to empowering newbies to follow in his WSOP footsteps, Moneymaker also leads Americas Cardroom’s Ambassador Meet-Up Games, where fans can virtually sit at the same table as Moneymaker and other poker legends. These casual, fan-friendly games are about more than competition—they’re about community, mentorship, and fun.

A Living Legend Still Writing His Story

In 2019, Chris Moneymaker was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the game’s greats. During WSOP’s First 50 Gala Awards, Moneymaker was also honored as having the “Most Memorable TV Hand” and “Most Impressive WSOP Main Event Win.” The event also listed him as one of the “Four Most Important Players in WSOP History.”

However, Moneymaker isn’t done yet. As the face of Americas Cardroom and a mentor to the online poker community, he’s helping shape the next generation of players—one satellite, one tour, and one bold bluff at a time. His message remains the same: poker isn’t just for the pros. It’s a game for everyone with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of nerve.

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