He wasn't fully backed, and the backing he did have was from many people here at 2+2, and friends I believe. No one said he played 300/600 before his WSOP success, but that he started small and worked his way up. He has posted here many times, and said in interviews that he started with a $1000 Bankroll that he helped replenish and grow via selling fossil card covers to other players along with eventually becoming a winning player.
His posts here in the past and present show that he is a student of the game and an excellent player, and for the results oriented, you can compare his pre and post WSOP ME win tourney stats with actual "forgettables."
Robert Varkonyi
http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/play...?a=r&n=469
Chris Moneymaker
http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/play...=r&n=18826
Greg Raymer
http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/play...a=r&n=7955