Chris Moneymaker

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Chris Moneymaker grew up further north in Tennesse, and attended the state university there, graduating with a master’s in accounting. After school he worked in the accounting business, and played online poker as a way to relax and have fun. At that stage it was inconceivable he’d become the most famous player in the world and kick start a billion dollar industry, but that’s exactly what happened.

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The Chris Moneymaker story should be familiar to everyone that has played poker since 2003. It’s the story about the regular guy who qualified online for the biggest poker tournament in the world and won the whole thing. It’s a remarkable tale that bears repeated telling, and it’s all the more powerful because it was his first ever live tournament. It also sparked the poker boom, as internet sites flourished, attracting millions of players all looking to emulate Chris’ achievement. His 2003 World Series of Poker* Main Event win netted Chris Moneymaker a cool $2,500,000 but it was the impact it had on the game of poker that was much more important, and what deservedly gave Chris his star status and his place in history.

Since creating the ‘Moneymaker Effect’ as it came to be known, Chris has gone on to carve out a solid career in the professional game, playing all the top events around the globe. His next big score came soon after his World Series victory, when he finished runner-up at a World Poker Tour event in San Jose, California, adding a big $200,000 to his bankroll. That cash proved Chris was no flash in the pan, and further WSOP* success followed when he finished tenth in an Omaha event. He also plays the European Poker Tour (EPT) and has found success there, cashing in London in 2007. His online game is just as strong, shown by deep finishes in the top events, like the PokerStars World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). His most recent achievement in March 2011 saw him go agonizingly close to another major title, as he busted as runner-up in the National Heads-Up Championship, collecting a healthy $300,000.

Chris is a family man, and spends as much time with them as possible when he’s not playing poker at the world’s most prestigious tournaments. Through his work in the poker industry he also has lots of business projects, and released his autobiography back in 2005. He also likes sports, and plays basketball, football and golf whenever he gets the chance.

With his place in poker history safe, Chris could be forgiven for resting on his laurels. That is absolutely not the case though, as he constantly strives to improve his game both live and online, and he’s hungry for more success. He’s proud to have taken the game of poker to the next level, and is committed to being at the forefront of the next developments. Chris Moneymaker is a key player for Team PokerStars Pro, and you can find him online under the User ID ‘‘Money800’.

To find out more access Chris’ facebook site.

You can also get your hands on a copy of his book ‘'Moneymaker'’ in the 'VIP' store.

Career Highlights

Event	Date	Position	Prize
2003 WSOP* $10,000 Main Event	May 2003	1st	$2,500,000
WPT Bay 101 Shooting Stars $5,500 Main Event	March 2004	2nd	$200,000
2004 WSOP* $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha	May 2004	10th	$21,000
EPT London £5,200 No Limit Hold’em	September 2007	17th	$24,480
PokerStars WCOOP $10,300 No Limit Hold’em	September 2008	6th	$139,635
PCA Main Event	January 2011	11th	$130,000
National Heads-Up Poker Championship	March 2011	2nd	$300,000

*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Caesars License Company, LLC ("Caesars"). Caesars does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with PokerStars or its products, services, promotions or tournaments.