Chris Moneymaker
Truth is stranger than fiction. Poker owes its phenomenal growth in the early 21st Century to three key factors: television, online poker and a former accountant improbably named Chris Moneymaker. In the 2003 World Series of Poker, Moneymaker won that televised event, with its $2.5 million prize, after having won his entry to the tournament playing in a $39 entry fee PokerStars online poker room tournament. Chris has subsequently become a spokesperson for both Harrahs and Pokerstars, while playing in more high profile tournaments, including a 2nd place finish in the World Poker Tour.
The WSOP 2003 final hand once again proved that any two cards can win the pot. Chris Moneymaker, $6.600.000 in chips, had 5d-4s vs. Sam Farha's, $1.800.000 in chps, Jh-10d. Being as confident as always, Farha bet $100.000 from the small blind. Moneymaker called. The flop came with Js-5s-4c giving Moneymaker two-pair against Farha's top pair. Moneymaker checked, Farha bet $175.000, Moneymaker check-raised $275.000, and Farha moved all-in, Moneymaker called. The turn card was As and the river was 4h giving Moneymaker a full house and the 2003 World Champion.
Chris Moneymaker is a professional endorser of PokerStars online poker room.
  
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