Poker Hall of Fame announces 2016 inductees

The 2016 Poker Hall of Fame Class has its newest members as Todd Brunson and Carlos Mortensen gain entrance into poker's most exclusive club. The two become the 51st and 52nd individuals to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. The two were nominated by the public and voted in by a 44-person panel made up of existing Poker Hall of Famers and a Blue Ribbon Media Panel, it was announced today by the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council.

Brunson and Mortensen will be inducted officially on Wednesday, 26 October at 7 p.m. at Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel – the birthplace of poker in Las Vegas – and the original home of the World Series of Poker (from 1970-2004). The Poker Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner will once again occur inside the Longhorn Room, which was originally called Benny's Bullpen. Benny's Bullpen hosted the very first final table of the WSOP in 1970.

The Poker Hall of Fame Gala kicks off the November Nine festivities, taking place before the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event final table gets underway at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (30 October to 1 November).

This year's inductees bring some historical significance as well. Brunson joins his father Doyle in the Hall, becoming the first father-son to be inducted into poker's ultimate club. Carlos, the Spaniard known as El Matador, becomes the first true international and European member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

The Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council would like to recognize and congratulate the other 2016 finalists all whom remain eligible for future induction: Chris Bjorin, Humberto Brenes, Eli Elezra, Bruno Fitoussi, Chris Moneymaker, Max Pescatori, Matt Savage and David Ulliott.

"It's a true honor to be inducted by my peers into this prestigious institution," said Brunson. "I literally grew up attending these ceremonies and have always respected and admired its members. To join their ranks is the honor of a lifetime."

"I have been playing poker professionally for more than 20 years," commented Mortensen. "This game has given me so many things that I have come to cherish. I've always wanted to be included among the great players who make up the Poker Hall of Fame. To be included with the legends makes me very happy. I want to thank my friends, the poker fans, and all the people who vote for me. I take this honor very seriously."