Chris Moneymaker won his way into the Main Event at the World Series of Poker through a $40.00 online satellite and went on to win the whole thing, plus $2,500,000. What a story that was! He parlayed those 40 bucks into a life-changing experience; a dream come true. I actually sat with Moneymaker on Day 1 of the 2003 WSOP. The great thing was that we both instantly recognized each other when we mentioned our screen names, and that let us prepare our games a little. Because we had played online so many times before, we each had some idea of the other's capability. I immediately started attacking his blinds and continued all day long, but evidently, he outlasted me. Chris and I have become good friends since; a friendship that began by playing online tournaments and satellites together.

The internet has become the most convenient way for players to win their way into major events all over the world, and is now the simplest way to get yourself to the Main Event of the WSOP. Even better, most satellites not only pay for the buy-in, but also give the player expenses for travel and accommodations. Players from all around the world can win trips to fantastic events in Aruba, St. Maarten, Australia, and all over Europe and North America. Some of these guys have won their way into big events for under $5.00.

Online poker gives people the opportunity to live out their dreams. The Aruba promotion, through Ultimatebet.com, is a classic example of this. This year, hundreds of players from all around the world won a poker vacation of a lifetime. The buzz of excitement in Aruba is overpowering. You will be sitting at a bar in the beach talking to 30 people you have never met in person, but have clashed with numerous times online. It is like a meeting of old friends. Then, if you bust out of your tournament, you can go to the beach or do fun stuff on the island. That's not too hard to take!

Playing live big buy-in tournaments is very tough to do financially and pretty much out of the vast majority of people's ability. Online changes that, and the number of people who will win their entry into this year's event on the internet will be measured in thousands, not in the hundreds of just a few short years ago.

So, if you haven't yet tried to play a satellite, but harbor dreams of playing on the big stage, then give it a shot. If you can get yourself to Aruba, you can be assured that you'll see me sitting at the tournament table banging chips around, or outside enjoying the beautiful Aruba beaches. And if you dream of playing in the World Series of Poker Main Event, you just may become the next Moneymaker story! Give it a shot and go capture a dream!

Knock 'em dead James "KrazyKanuck" Worth