Historic ’03 hand changed poker forever

Can you believe it’s been five years since Chris Moneymaker, an accountant from Tennessee playing in his first live tournament, arrived in Las Vegas as an unknown and left as a poker icon?

Qualifying online at Pokerstars for only $39, Moneymaker participated in the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event, outlasted 838 other players and inspired generations of poker enthusiasts. This aptly named young gentleman fulfilled the dream of every aspiring poker player to become WSOP world champion.

Now, thousands of amateur poker players make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas each summer to compete in the WSOP main event.

Let’s travel back in the time capsule to remember the hand that changed poker forever.

Before the final hand, Moneymaker held close to 6 million chips, giving him more than a 2:1 advantage over Sam Farha. However, one double up by Farha and the chip counts would be reversed.

Sitting on the button, Farha looked down at Jh-10d and raised to 100,000. Holding a modest 5d-4s, Moneymaker decided to call and see a flop.

Once the dealer revealed Js-5s-4c, the stage was set for a final showdown.

After Moneymaker checked, Farha bet 175,000 chips. Taking a few moments, Moneymaker check-raised his opponent to 475,000. Holding top pair and not believing Moneymaker, Farha announced, “OK, I’ll go all-in.”

Moneymaker quickly called, flipping over his two pair, while a disappointed Farha revealed his top pair, leaving Moneymaker a 75:25 favorite to win the hand.

When the dealer turned the 8d, Farha gained more possible outs. If he could catch a jack, 10 or now eight (since this two pair would counterfeit Moneymaker’s two pair), Farha would avoid elimination. However, with only one card to go, Moneymaker was an 82:18 favorite.

While Farha sat calmly at the table, Moneymaker paced nervously with his hands on his head, realizing that he was one card away from being crowned the 2003 WSOP champion.

When the 5h came on the river, Moneymaker exploded as the room at Binion’s erupted around him. ESPN’s Norman Chad immortalized the moment forever, saying, “This is beyond a fairy tale. It’s inconceivable.”

News Added: 12 May, 2008

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