Supposedly, professional players at any given field, have an edge over amateurs when it comes to competing. That also holds true for casino table games, despite requiring both skill and luck. Going against household names at a poker table, would send chills down the spine of any casual player. Naturally, winning in such face off, seems like a mission impossible. Let alone if it happens in a prestigious World Series of Poker Main Event, comprising hundreds of participants.
At least that was the general idea, until an ordinary player with an extraordinary name, went against all odds in a tournament run that changed the world of poker for good.
Enter Chris Moneymaker
Christopher Bryan Moneymaker is an American born on November 21, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. According to his own account, his ancestors used to make silver and gold coins and their last name was Nurmacher. However, after moving to England, they changed their German name to Moneymaker which is fits better to the concept that coins are money.
After winning the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event as an underdog, Chris quit his job as an account and travelled the world. He has won around $2,683,521 worth of prizes and 1 WSOP bracelet.
The Ticket to the World Series of Poker Main Event
Despite his love for table games, Moneymaker never intended to play professionally. Occasionally, he played poker with friends locally and, eventually, played online. At some point, he participated in an $86 satellite tournament. With his eyes on the prize money, he was determined to lose intentionally and occupy the 4th spot to get a prize of $8.000.
For a player of his level, it seemed like a wise decision as the top 3 positions were a ticket to the 2003 WSOP Main Event. That meant facing the best players in the world, and he didn’t see himself as belonging to this group. However, his father and friend, Dave Gamble, convinced him to participate in the main event and play for $2.500.000.
The Turbulent Road to the Final Table
As Chris Moneymaker had already imagined, he faced famous players right from day one. He was playing on the same table as Jim “KrazyKanuck” Worth and Dan Harrington (1995 WSOP Champion). Luckily, he was moved to another table, where he excelled and ended in the 11th spot on day 1 leaderboard. The 2nd day started very well, until Phil Ivey and Johnny Chen joined the table and showed him he was in the wrong league, sending him to the 26th place.
With the number of players reduced to 111, and the unskilled players knocked out, the game was getting tougher. He faced Paul Darden, Howard Lederer, and Johnny Chen, on a televised table. Despite the intimidating opponents, Moneymaker managed to beat Johnny Chen in the final face off, sending him home early. At the end of day 3, only 45 players were left and Chris saw himself on the 6th spot.
Then, he faced and eliminated Humberto “The Shark” Brenes, and Dutch Boyd. He continued until making it to the top 10, one spot away from the final table. As things couldn’t be worse, he had to challenge Phil Ivey, the man who showed no mercy in day 2. Once again, Chris surprisingly knocked him out with a full house no one expected. And there he was… at the final table.
From accountant to 2003 WSOP Main Event Champion
At this point, it was an «all or nothing» proposition. The $2.500.000 prize now looked as a possible goal. And Moneymaker was determined to make it through. He started by eliminating David Grey, with Tomer Benvenisti and Jason Lester following respectively. With 3 players left, it was time for Dan Harrington to give way, leaving Moneymaker fighting against Sam Farha for the title.
To spice things up, the prize money was placed on the table before the final duel started. Chris had the upper hand with 5,490,000 in chips, while his opponent had accumulated 2,900,000. However, Farha had the experience and used it to his advantage, to keep the game balanced. After more than an hour, our protagonist pulled what was dubbed as the «bluff of the century» and Farha folded. Immediately afterwards, Farha went all-in with a pair of jacks on the flop. Moneymaker called, having flopped bottom two pair which held after the final river card was dealt. The rest was history, as they say. Chris became the first amateur to win the WSOP Main Event.
The Chris Moneymaker era began
The thrilling tournament was a game-changer. Moneymaker sent a message to all poker lovers who thought only professional players can win big at a poker table. He changed how people perceive the game and increased the number of participants in the WSOP annually. Along of course with those wanting to participate in the action by way of registering for a Game2Bet account.
