PokerStars.com Launches Moneymaker Millionaire

When 27 year-old Tennessee Accountant Chris Moneymaker turned a $39 online satellite tournament win on PokerStar.com into a $2.5 million windfall at the World Series of Poker, people around the world asked "Why not me?"

Today PokerStars.com is launching the Moneymaker Millionaire, the biggest ever, free to enter tournament to make that very dream come true. Starting Monday, July 24 at 19.00h GMT, PokerStars.com is giving players from around the world the chance to compete for a $2.5m prize pool -- including a brand new Aston Martin DB9 Volante and a trip to the exotic Bahamas to play down to one winner and a $1 million first prize at the main event. Pokerstars.com is the world's largest poker tournament website with over 5 million registered users.

Following in the footsteps of 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Champion, Chris Moneymaker, has never been easier and first time entry is absolutely free. Acknowledged as one of the major reasons behind the massive rise in popularity of online poker, Moneymaker's real life success story has been a source of inspiration to thousands of novice and semi-professional players worldwide. Having gained virtually all of his poker experience online at PokerStars.com, Chris astounded a field of over 800 skilled players by winning a staggering $2.5 million -- elevating the Moneymaker name to celebrity status overnight.

"PokerStars.com gave me the experience I needed to become a champion," said Moneymaker. "Now everyone, regardless of their poker experience, has the chance to win part of a gigantic prize pool of $2.5 million -- the same amount I won in the World Series of Poker."

Over the next five months, PokerStars.com will demonstrate that every poker player can become a "Moneymaker." A series of daily, weekly and monthly online tournaments will be run from July through December, with times that accommodate players from all over the world. First time entry is free for new and existing customers, with subsequent entry costs based on 10 Frequent Player Points (FPP).

Overall, 27 finalists, will receive roundtrip airfare and accommodations for two to the Bahamas for one week at the luxurious Atlantis Island Resort. This idyllic setting will play host to the decisive final tables of the Moneymaker Millionaire tournament. Chris Moneymaker will be there to offer the finalists his support, best tips and insights into the game. Finalists will compete for a first place prize of $1 million in cash and prizes including the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, with a further $1m in cash payments awarded amongst the remaining finalists and over $500,000 being distributed to online players who didn't make it to the Bahamas.

The Moneymaker Millionaire tournament will be launched with a multi-million dollar advertising campaign featuring Chris Moneymaker as you've never seen him before. These advertisements bring Chris's amaz

2006-07-25