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How did Chris Moneymaker's 2003 World Series of Poker victory affect poker's popularity?

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Five playing cards showing a flush in clubs: king, ten, eight, seven, and five of clubs. — poker A poker hand containing five cards of the same suit but not in sequence is called a flush.

Chris Moneymaker’s victory in the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was a pivotal moment that significantly boosted the popularity of poker. As an amateur player, his win served as a powerful catalyst, attracting legions of other amateur players to the sport.12

This surge in interest occurred alongside other key developments that transformed the game’s accessibility and visibility:

Televised Tournaments: The development of the hole-card camera allowed television audiences to see players' hidden cards, making the game much more engaging to watch.12
Online Expansion: The rise of Internet poker provided a platform for players everywhere to participate in satellite tournaments, further democratizing access to major events like the WSOP.12

Together, these factors—Moneymaker’s success, the enhanced television experience, and the growth of online play—drove thousands of new participants to the tournament and fueled a massive increase in the game's popularity during the early 21st century.2