Poker is getting a fresh new tour—and it comes with some serious pedigree. Chris Moneymaker, 2003 WSOP Main Event champion and one of poker’s most beloved ambassadors, has announced the launch of the MoneyMaker Tour, a U.S.-based tournament series aiming to carve out space in the mid-major circuit.
And to help bring it to life, Moneymaker has brought on one of the industry’s most respected names: Tony Burns.
🔥 The Big Hire: Tony Burns
Burns, the former Tournament Director and Director of Poker Marketing at Seminole Hard Rock in Florida, is the first major hire for the MoneyMaker Tour. He announced his move via social media, calling it a “lifetime deal” with Moneymaker, whom he referred to as “a good friend and one of poker’s greatest ambassadors.”
“Chris has tasked me with starting the MoneyMaker Tour as his Executive Manager and assisting with growing his brand not only domestically, but internationally,” Burns shared.
The hire marks a full-circle moment for Burns, who started as a poker dealer in 2003 and rose through the ranks to become one of the top tournament executives in the country. His journey includes an eight-year run at Isle Casino Pompano Park, followed by a pivotal leadership role at Seminole Hard Rock beginning in 2015.
🃏 A Tour with History—and a Future
Interestingly, the “MoneyMaker Tour” name already has some legacy. Back in 2018, Moneymaker partnered with PokerStars for a low-stakes, $86 buy-in tour stop at the Seminole Hard Rock, where Burns and Moneymaker first began working together more closely. That version was short-lived, but it laid the foundation for a deeper partnership.
Now, with Moneymaker’s brand stronger than ever, this new tour is set to be a more permanent fixture.
Burns reflected on the decision, saying:
“He’s the reason I got into poker… To join Chris is full circle.”
🎯 What’s Next?
Full details on the MoneyMaker Tour will be revealed in the coming weeks, but early indications suggest a multi-stop series spanning multiple states. Given both Burns’ and Moneymaker’s strong ties in the poker community, the tour will likely attract serious attention and participation.
One exception: it’s unlikely to include Paducah, Kentucky, where Moneymaker’s Moneymaker Social Club was recently shut down by local officials. Still, that setback isn’t expected to slow the tour’s momentum.
🚀 Why This Matters
Between Moneymaker’s star power and Burns’ deep experience, the MoneyMaker Tour could be the next big thing in mid-major American poker. With the potential to blend accessible buy-ins, player-friendly structures, and high-quality venues, the tour may quickly become a staple for players across the country.
Stay tuned—this one has all the makings of a game-changer.
