Our Verdict:
With an appropriate surname, Moneymaker’s 2003 Main Event victory inspired a generation of online qualifiers to take their shot at the big one. He invested just $40 to qualify from a PokerStars satellite and legend has it he didn’t even have enough money to pay for his plane ticket and accommodation in Vegas.
Though many consider his victory lucky and is not regarded as one of the most skilful championship winners, he defeated a final table which included ‘Action’ Dan Harrington, Sam Farha, Amir Vahedi, and Jason Lester.
Still a PokerStars sponsored player, he has added around $300,000 since 2003 in live tournament winnings and more than anything else remains a symbol of what can be achieved with a small bankroll and a healthy dose of lady luck.