Chris Moneymaker — the man whose game and name changed poker history forever — is now 15 years on from his storied run at the Main Event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2003.
And just as Moneymaker parlayed an $86 satellite entry into a $2.5 million windfall, a new PokerStars tour commemorating his feat aims to give a low-stakes player a chance at life-changing money.
Dubbed the Moneymaker PCPC Tour, the tournament series will run over the course of nine events between early August and October. Players from coast to coast will have a chance to compete, with the tour offering an online event as well.
- Aug 4 – Stones Gambling Hall in Citrus Heights, CA
- Aug 26 – Lucky Chances in Colma, CA
- Sept 9 – Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, CT
- Sept 15 – MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD
- Sept 22 – Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, CA
- Sept 23 – Talking Stick in Scottsdale, AZ
- Sept 30 – PokerStarsNJ.com Online Event
- Oct 7 – Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT
- Oct 10 – Maryland Live in Hanover, MD
Despite the lobbying efforts of some Canadian poker players, there are no plans for a tour stop north of the border.
Cheap Shot at Glory
Moneymaker was insistent that his namesake tour be affordable for all players, which is why the buy in at each stop will be $86, a nod to the amount he spent to win his way into the Main Event in 2003.
The winner of each event will receive a “Platinum Pass,” good for a $25,000 seat into the PokerStars Players Championship (PPC) in the Bahamas next January, plus $5,000 for travel and accommodation, along with cash, of course.
If this idiot from Tennessee that looks like a country redneck can go and win $2.5 million playing a game of cards, well, heck, I can too,” the 42-year old said in a video promoting the tour.
Moneymaker hopes to be the inspiration for another rags-to-riches story like his own.
Hall Pass
It’s been a banner week for the man who is credited with sparking the global online poker boom.
In addition to the tour announcement, Moneymaker was announced as one of the 10 finalists for the 2018 Poker Hall of Fame.
It’s not the first time he’s been nominated, and as in years past, he’s up against some tough competition, including Mike Matusow and Huck Seed. Despite the enduring impact he’s had on the game, Moneymaker recently told CardsChat that he believes his odds of being one of the two new entrants are low.
We’ll find out if he makes the Hall of Fame cut come July 13.
