How Chris Moneymaker Almost Won the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Title

Remembering the dramatic final of the 2004 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star, where Chris Moneymaker was just one step away from his second major poker title.

In the history of poker, the name Chris Moneymaker is forever linked to his sensational victory in the Main Event of the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP). However, few remember that less than a year later, Moneymaker was just one step away from claiming another major title—at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Bay 101 Shooting Star event in 2004. On the eve of the next WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star festival, which will take place in California from October 16 to November 1, let’s recall that dramatic final where Moneymaker almost became a WPT champion. The History and Features of the Bay 101 Shooting Star Tournament The Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship tournament began in 1997 as an event with a relatively modest $1,060 buy-in. That year, the winner was Sam Merchant, who took home $29,000 for first place. By 2004, when the event was included in the World Poker Tour schedule for the first time, the buy-in had grown to $5,200, and interest in the tournament surged. This was largely due to the “Moneymaker Effect”—a massive influx of players into poker after Chris Moneymaker’s unexpected victory at the 2003 WSOP, where he won $2,500,000. In 2004, the tournament attracted 243 participants, nearly double the previous numbers. The total prize pool reached $1,100,000. Among the participants and prize winners were true poker stars: Daniel Negreanu, Howard Lederer, and Prahlad Friedman—all of whom were among the 27 players who made the money. Final Table: Moneymaker vs. Phil Gordon The final table of the 2004 tournament became the stage for an intense battle between seasoned professionals. Chris Moneymaker was among the finalists along with Phil Gordon—a Full Tilt Poker pro and member of the legendary Tiltboys team. It was Gordon who ultimately denied Moneymaker a second major title. The climax of the final was a three-way all-in involving Moneymaker, Masoud Shojaei, and Phil Gordon. At that moment, Moneymaker held pocket jacks (JJ), Shojaei had ten-six (T6), and Gordon had ace-seven (A7). Gordon covered both opponents in chips. The flop brought an ace, giving Gordon the lead, and the remaining cards didn’t change the outcome. As a result, Phil Gordon became the champion and took home the top prize of $360,000, while Moneymaker finished second for $200,000. Final Table Results of WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star 2004 The table shows the prize places and payout amounts for the tournament: 1st place: Phil Gordon — $360,000 2nd place: Chris Moneymaker — $200,000 3rd place: Masoud Shojaei — $120,000 4th place: Steve Brecher — $80,000 5th place: John Bonetti — $60,000 6th place: John Juanda — $40,000 Among the 27 players who made the money were such well-known professionals as Daniel Negreanu, Howard Lederer, and Prahlad Friedman. The Later Careers of the Finalists and the Significance of the Tournament It’s been two decades since that historic final, but Chris Moneymaker remains an active poker ambassador. Phil Gordon, on the other hand, has gradually stepped away from professional play. In a 2025 interview with PokerNews, Gordon fondly recalled the opponent he defeated in that final, saying that Moneymaker’s contribution to the growth of poker is hard to overestimate, and that without his victory, poker would not have become so popular. The Bay 101 Shooting Star tournament returned to the schedule in 2025 after several years’ break and once again attracted top players. This year, the championship with a $5,300 buy-in will be held from October 23 to 27. Tournament Format and Structure Features Bay 101 Shooting Star is known for its unique format: the tournament features so-called “stars”—famous professionals with special bounties for knocking them out. This makes the game more aggressive and exciting, attracting both amateurs and pros. In 2004, when the tournament was first held under the WPT banner, the structure and prize pool were significantly increased, allowing it to become one of the most prestigious events of the year. The Significance of the “Moneymaker Effect” Chris Moneymaker’s victory at the 2003 WSOP was a turning point for the entire poker community. His success inspired thousands of new players to try their hand at tournaments, leading to a surge of interest in poker worldwide. Thanks to this effect, tournaments like Bay 101 Shooting Star began to attract record fields and the attention of major poker brands, including the WPT. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, Moneymaker’s story is a great example of how one successful tournament can change a player’s entire career. Even if you’re not a professional and are just starting out in poker, participating in major events and staying persistent can lead to significant results. Moneymaker proved that anything is possible in poker—the main thing is not to be afraid to make decisions and to seize your opportunities. It’s also worth paying attention to bounty tournament structures and the participation of famous players: these formats make the game more dynamic and allow you to earn extra prizes for knocking out opponents. PPPoker clubs regularly host tournaments with such conditions, giving you the chance to experience the atmosphere of major live events right online. Finally, the story of Bay 101 Shooting Star is a reminder: even if you don’t win the top prize, a strong performance in a prestigious tournament is already a significant achievement. The experience gained battling strong opponents will help you improve your game and achieve new victories in PPPoker clubs.