Many people would say that back in 2003 when Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event, that it was the start of the surge in popularity that we have all seen today. Moneymaker is an incredibly well-known player in the poker world, and one who is still talked about today after he won the Main Event; a tournament that he qualified for by winning a $40 satellite online. If you were a fan of that Main Event and the final table, you’ll find this news a bit interesting. The deck of cards that was used during the big win for Moneymaker were up on eBay for sale, but interestingly, no one bit on the auction.
The starting prize on the auction was a $7,500 bid, and the deal included all 52 cards (of course), and a Certificate of Authenticity as well. This certificate is signed by both Moneymaker, and the tournament director Matt Savage. There is also an additional small bonus, in terms of a tape of the broadcast from ESPN, which features the match-up between Moneymaker and his opponent Sam Farha. As excellent as this would have been for a fan of Moneymaker, or a fan of poker in general; no one went after the huge starting asking price, and the auction ended on Monday with 0 bids.
It was not Moneymaker who placed these cards up for bid, and it was apparently a former employee of the casino. The employee was said to have received permission to take the deck after the tournament was over.
The final hand of action ended with Farha holding the Jack of hearts, and the 10 of diamonds, and was up against a five of diamonds and a four of spades of Moneymaker. The flop came down with the Jack of spades, five of spades, and four of clubs. The two got it all in at that point, and Moneymaker was ahead with his two pair against the pair of Jacks that Farha was holding. Moneymaker’s hand held, and he won the gold bracelet, as well as the $2.5 million grand prize.
While this piece of poker history didn’t sell, it could potentially down the road with a lower asking price potentially. One well-known player who sold a piece of poker history, was when Peter Eastgate sold his Main Event gold bracelet back in 2008, and donated the $147k that it sold for to charity.