Mainstream popularity caused a backlash, though. From 2003 to 2006, the Poker Boom saw millions of players worldwide start to play poker online. This growth mirrored what happened to online gambling in general. At the same tournament the next year, 2,576 entrants paid the $10,000 entry fee into the WSOP Main Event.
Since he won entry into the WSOP Main Event on PokerStars, amateur card players worldwide took note. Moneymaker's win was a key moment for online poker, too. Seeing a skilled amateur win the biggest event in poker was a watershed moment for organized poker events. Moneymaker beat a field of 839 other players to win the WSOP Main Event, a feat that was featured on ESPN for months.
In 2003, Chris Moneymaker won entry into the World Series of Poker Main Event by paying a $86 entry fee and winning a satellite poker event. Video Poker Guide: Play the Best Online Video Poker Games.
