If you don’t remember that day back in May 2003 (yes, you young ones, the World Series of Poker was once played in the springtime instead of the summer), it was something that anyone who considers themselves a fan of the game will ever forget. In the Championship Event, a young accountant in his first live tournament ever with the unlikely moniker of Chris Moneymaker stared down some of the greatest poker players in the game (including a tough professional in Sammy Farha) to win poker’s greatest prize. With that win, Moneymaker ushered in a “new era” of poker sometimes referred to as poker’s “Golden Age.”
It also changed Moneymaker’s life. He went from just being a mild-mannered Tennessee accountant to suddenly the face of the game of poker and it was a lifestyle that he actively embraced. For more than the last decade since that win, Moneymaker has traveled the world and found a new life as a former World Champion that brought a new game to town. It has now brought Moneymaker one of the greatest honors a person can receive: nomination to the Poker Hall of Fame for 2016.
Poker News Daily was able to talk to Moneymaker and find out what his thoughts were about being a first-time nominee (he turned 40 last November to become eligible) and whether he should be viewed for induction as a player or as an “innovator” in the game.
Poker News Daily: This is your first year of eligibility for the Poker Hall of Fame and you were nominated. How does that honor feel?
Chris Moneymaker: It is obviously a huge honor and I think it is really cool to be nominated. I have worked hard over the last decade trying to promote and lobby for the game of poker and hope the nomination stems from that more than just my win in 2003.
PND: Many people have you pegged for being one of the two people who will be inducted this fall. If not you, then who do you see as the most difficult competition you have to face?
CM: Everyone on the list is very deserving, but I would say the most likely ones would be Carlos (Mortensen) and Matt Savage.
PND: There are many questions as to how to “label” you if you go into the Hall – whether you are inducted as a player or as a person historical to the game. Which do you feel best describes you?
CM: Historical to the game, for sure. I mean, I certainly have not done enough to merit it as a player. I never chose to play high stakes or grind tournaments on a regular basis.
PND: What are the highlights of your career that you would put on your Hall of Fame “plaque”?
CM: Obviously the Main Event in 2003 would be important, but I would also like to be recognized for helping usher in a new era of poker.
PND: When people are inducted into a Hall of Fame, they usually have achieved everything that they want in their particular career. Do you consider the Hall of Fame and potential induction as a career topper or do you have more that you yet want to do?
CM: I feel like, even now, I am pretty early in my career and want to help grow the game as much as I can over the next years. As far as my history and future as a player, I am happy with the course I have chosen and look forward to what is ahead.
PND: You have a chance to give your speech advocating for your induction starting…NOW!
CM: Some players may feel like I do not meet the criteria of a Hall of Fame player, but I believe I have done enough off the felt to be considered for the honor.
