The name Chris Moneymaker has entered into the consciousness of many people especially among the poker enthusiasts. In 2003, he managed to turn a $40 entry fee into a $2.5 million wealth. Since then, poker has ignited the interest of the majority. Here’s a look at the reasons of its instant popularity.

The Cinderella factor in Moneymaker’s win attracted the fancy of millions of poker enthusiasts. It proved once and for all that anybody can be a champion. He demonstrated that ordinary people can actually beat the best poker players in the world. Chris Moneymaker has inspired thousands of would be poker tournament players to follow their own dream of even just entering a live tournament or even win a poker tournament.

Televised coverage of poker games has ignited the interest of non-poker fans. Live TV coverage of poker tournaments has further increased the appreciation of the game. Viewers were able to see the hands of the players and it excited them to watch and predict how each player acts as the game progressed. The viewing public was made aware of the existence of different poker tournaments because of TV coverage.

The internet has also contributed to its popularity. Each day new poker related materials are posted online. Thus, millions of people are introduced in the basics of the game. In addition, poker web sites have enabled millions of poker players to practice their skills in the game. Thousands of poker literatures are available for everybody to improve their knowledge in the game. In addition, there are als o online tournaments that encourage people to join anytime and anywhere.

The impact of poker tournaments have shifted the image of the game from gambling to sports. Poker tournaments keep getting bigger and more exciting. Thus, every year, thousands of poker players dreamt of being the next Chris Moneymaker.