When the World Series of Poker broadcasts first exploded into the mainstream consciousness during Chris Moneymaker’s historic win in 2003, poker fever spread like wildfire.
At least, that’s the story that’s been told ever since. In reality, as any poker aficionado from back in the day would likely tell you, it was no-limit Texas hold’em fever that spread like wildfire. The “Cadillac of Poker” was the game catching on everywhere, enjoying a surge in popularity never seen before or since. Other games like pot-limit Omaha and H.O.R.S.E. certainly saw a boost during the boom years, but it was a far cry from the one hold’em got.