Poker Players: Superstars

Poker players are the new superstars of gambling. Consistent poker winners like the aptly named Chris Moneymaker and Dan "Action Dan" Harrington are gracing the screens of televisions sets all across the world. Like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, these players are shaping the future of poker - and it would an enthusiast good to know at least a few of the big names.

The spectacularly named Christopher Bryan Moneymaker wasn't born a card shark. Before he came onto the table he was busy working as an accountant. In a satellite tournament in an online poker tournament, Moneymaker won himself a seat at the main event of the 2003 World Series of Poker. Before that though, he was relatively unknown. One of his more memorable wins was against Sam Farha, when Moneymaker bluffed with an all in, holding nothing but a king high hand. Sam folded, holding a superior hand - a pair. His last name, for the curious, is not a pseudonym and is actually his real name. Somewhere down his bloodline his family made gold and silver coins and they named themselves appropriately.

Known for his opaque, holographic sunglasses and his victory at the 2004 World Series of Poker Main event, Gregory Raymer is one of the more amazing players in poker. He was one of the few people to come anywhere near close to repeating a championship victory in the World Series of Poker. Nicknamed Fossilman because of his fossil collection hobby, Raymer rarely plays in other tournaments, choosing instead to spend time with his wife and daughter. The high stakes of poker has apparently given his a steel spine, as he once held off to men who held him at gunpoint until police arrived. They were arrested and he escaped unharmed.

Born in Cambridge Massachusetts, Dan "Action Dan" Harrington is famous for tight, aggressive play. Outside of the poker scene, he works the stock market and in real estate. Never found without his iconic Boston Red Sox cap, Dan Harrington once offered to split the top prize with the other contestants upon reaching the final table. In 1995, he offered to both split the money and give advice to the other players so that everyone could profit well. At most opportunities, Action Dan would restate his offer - right up to the point when he defeated the last player, leaving him the winner.

There are more legends of poker being born every day, but it always pays to give credit to past champions. Perhaps someday, with hard work, dedication and practice, you will find yourself listed among the legends.