The World Series of Poker recently concluded, but for Justin Bonomo, poker is a passion that never fades. With over $60 million in lifetime earnings, Bonomo is considered one of the best tournament players in the business. What sets his poker journey apart is the unlikely start he had – selling his EverQuest character to fund his initial poker bankroll.
At the age of 14, Bonomo was already making a name for himself in Magic: the Gathering, winning scholarships and competing at high levels. It was through friends in the Magic community that he discovered EverQuest, a game that captivated him with its immersive world and endless possibilities. Despite being limited to just two hours of playtime a day due to dial-up internet restrictions, Bonomo found himself drawn to the game and its expansive landscapes.
Spending hours exploring Norrath, Bonomo eventually reached the top levels of the game, joining a leading raiding guild and taking on challenging raid targets. However, as life moved forward, EverQuest started to take a back seat. It was during this time that Bonomo decided to sell his character for $500, a decision that would unknowingly set him on a path to poker success.
Using the money from the character sale, Bonomo ventured into the world of online poker, starting with small stakes games and gradually working his way up. His transition to in-person tournaments was swift, with Bonomo becoming the youngest player to reach a televised final table at the EPT French Open in 2005 at just 19 years old. His experience from years of high-level competition in Magic helped him stay calm under pressure in the world of poker.
Despite his poker success, Bonomo still holds a fondness for EverQuest, even participating in memorable events like the waking of the Sleeper on p99 Green. Reflecting on his journey, Bonomo acknowledges that EverQuest will always hold a special place in his heart, evoking feelings of nostalgia and fond memories.
With EverQuest celebrating its 25th anniversary and private servers thriving, the game continues to be a source of joy and reminiscence for players like Bonomo. As he looks back on his journey from selling his character to becoming a poker star, Bonomo’s story serves as a reminder of the unexpected paths that can lead to success in the world of gaming and beyond.