The whole world watched Chris Moneymaker as he turned a $40 online entry fee into an astonishing $2.5 million dollars by winning the World Series of Poker and as you may have guessed, knocked out some pretty substantial players along the way.

An accountant who graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chris Moneymaker wanted to play poker but will have never dreamed he would get a golden opportunity like this. After winning his way to the World Series of Poker from the PokerStars website, Chris could not have imagined what kind of instant fame he would earn after winning the tournament.

Maybe he was still in such shock from the win at Poker Stars he didn't realise the likelihood that he would be a viable contender at the World Series Of Poker. Not only was Chris a possible challenger, he was also a tough opponent and proving as much to the others at the final table.

If people were amazed when he made it to the final table, they would have been bowled over with shock when Chris Moneymaker became the 2003 World Series of Poker Champion.

He gained the instant respect of those who played with him in the tournament and always made everyone feel it was worth his time to stop and enjoy a little conversation. He is an overall nice guy who is playing it smart right now with his winnings and has just launched 'Money Maker Gaming' which looks set to be a big hit. The website offers an online assortment of gifts and apparel for gaming enthusiasts.

Though many poker professionals insist it was definitely his good luck that put him into instant 'stardom,' skill is certainly keeping him there. In 2004, Chris came in second at the Bay 101 Shooting Stars World Poker Tour Event which shows his poker skills are still very much intact.