Chris Moneymaker - 2003 WSOP Champion

The World Series of Poker boasts a surprising number of twenty something players who are playing and winning against the greatest names poker. Among the most recognized names in this group of young players is Chris Moneymaker, who, while in his mid twenties, won the 2003 World Series of Poker No Limit Hold’em Championship. Christopher Brian Moneymaker (his real name) had been playing for three years when he won the tournament, but had never played a live tournament. Although Chris attributes part of his victory to luck, he clearly demonstrated in his first live tournament that he had the skill and the courage to play against world renowned champion poker players.

Chris won his entry into the Series through the PokerStars online card room. His investment was $40. After winning entry into the event, he found himself without enough money for airfare and hotel costs. His father and a friend loaned Chris part of the money for his travel and expenses in exchange for an agreement to receive part of his winnings.

On his first day at the tournament, he found himself playing against Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey. Chris latter admitted to being very intimidated, but played with skill, courage and sportsmanship. He won the final hand with a full house, fives full of fours, defeating veteran ring game player Sam Farha’s top pair. In winning the tournament, Chris turned his original $40 investment into winnings of $2,500,000. In 2004, Chris came in second in the Bay 101 Shooting Stars World Poker Tour event.

Chris, who was an accountant at the time of his big win, now travels around the world as a spokesman for various poker related products and plays tournaments when ever he has the opportunity.  Come and play against Chris today at PokerStars.net and make sure to use our Poker Stars Marketing Code when you sign up in order to receive your 100% Bonus.