The most-fabled online poker victory is, without a doubt, the satellite victory which propelled Chris Moneymaker on to his 2003 WSOP Main Event win. Since then, Moneymaker has become one of the poker community's finest ambassadors and, more recently, has re-established himself as a force to be reckoned with at the tables through his success at the Triton Super High Roller Series, the World Series of Poker, and in online events on ACR Poker, including the Venom.
As the upcoming dual Venom Mystery Bounty events kick off this Sunday, January 19 – with a combined $10M guaranteed between them – there's no better time to pick Moneymaker's brain on how to approach these unique tournaments.
Do you plan on playing more live poker in 2025 after a stellar 2024?
My schedule will be very similar in 2025 as to previous years. I do not anticipate playing more events than normal.
You were disappointed in the result of your Super Main Event, but still pleased with the deep run and the big score. How do you process those moments? Did you do anything to feel better? How long does it take to feel great about the big score?
You're always disappointed when you bust a big event, but you realize that’s part of the game. I don’t get real upset when I make the right decisions. I get more upset if I do something silly or stupid. I generally feel fine by the time I leave the tournament area. I do not have to do anything special after I bust as I realize it’s part of the game.
Chris Moneymaker proved his doubters wrong by taking down the $25K GGMillion$ at Triton Montenegro. What do you remember about the strategy you used to qualify for the 2003 WSOP? How has your approach to online tournaments changed over time?
In 2003, all I did was play in position and only play hands that could make the nuts. I played so tight and thought my opponents were mind readers. My approach is completely different now. I am confident in my preflop ranges and also making moves to accumulate chips and position myself for success more often.
How should online players who are playing in their first Venom approach the unique Mystery Bounty format? Do you have a preferred version, PLO vs NLH?
The NLH is still my preferred version as the prize pool will be so much bigger. The bigger prize pools get the blood flowing and increase my focus. If you are playing your first Venom, I would give the same advice as to someone playing any big buy-in event. Play your style. Don’t be afraid. Treat the game like your normal buy-in and don’t try to get fancy or do things out of the ordinary. Many times in these events, people will look up your stats and see you are a smaller buy-in guy and try to attack you. Just realize that people will apply a lot of pressure to you based on that info. You can use that to your advantage.
The Venom Mystery Bounty tournaments kick off this Sunday, January 19. 
