2024 Poker Hall of Fame nominations are now open

With the 55th annual World Series of Poker officially underway, nominations for the 2024 Poker Hall of Fame are now open. Poker players and fans can submit a nominee and must include a brief explanation for their choice.

“With the poker world losing original participants of the 1970 WSOP in the last two years, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the history of the game,” said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of the World Series of Poker. “The Poker Hall of Fame is meant to make sure legends who paved the way for today’s record-setting fields are never forgotten, and we thank poker fans for their help putting forth worthy candidates during the nomination process.”

Nominations will remain open through Sunday, 16 June when all submissions will be tabulated, and the top 10 nominations reviewed by the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council. The existing Poker Hall of Fame members will then cast votes on the final list of nominees to determine the 2024 inductee.

The 2024 Poker Hall of Fame nominee will be announced on July 14, 2024. The inductee will receive a plaque to be displayed at the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame Poker Room, which opened at Horseshoe Las Vegas in 2023.

The Poker Hall of Fame criteria are as follows:

- Must have played poker against acknowledged top competition

- Be a minimum of 40-years-old at time of nomination

- Played for high stakes, consistently well, and stood the test of time

- For non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results

Those enshrined in the Poker Hall of Fame include:

- Nick Dandolos ’79

- James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock ’79

- Edmond Hoyle ’79

- Felton McCorduodale ’79

- Johnny Moss ’79

- Red Winn ‘79

- Sid Wyman ‘79

- T “Blondie” Forbes ’80

- Bill Boyd ’81

- Tom Abdo ’82

- Joe Bernstein ’83

- Murph Harrold ’84

- Red Hodges ’85

- Henry Green ’86

- Walter “Puggy” Pearson ‘87

- Doyle Brunson ’88

- Jack “Treetop” Straus ‘88

- Fred “Sarge” Ferris ’89

- Benny Binion ’90

- David “Chip” Reese ‘91

- Thomas Austin Preston ‘92

- Jack Keller ’93

- Julius Oral Popwell ‘96

- Roger Moore ’97

- Stu “The Kid” Ungar ‘01

- Lyle Berman ’02

- Johnny Chan ’02

- Bobby Baldwin ‘03

- Berry Johnston ’04

- Crandell Addington ’05

- Billy Baxter ’06

- T.J. Cloutier ’06

- Barbara Enright ’07

- Phil Hellmuth ’07

- Henry Orenstein ‘08

- Duane “Dewey” Tomko ‘08

- Mike Sexton ‘09

- Dan Harrington ‘10

- David Oppenheim ‘10

- Erik Seidel ‘10

- Linda Johnson ’11

- Eric Drache ’12

- Brian “Sailor” Roberts ‘12

- Tom McEvoy ’13

- Scotty Nguyen ‘13

- Jack McClelland ‘14

- Daniel Negreanu ‘14

- Jennifer Harman ‘15

- John Juanda ’15

- Todd Brunson ’16

- Carlos Mortensen ’16

- Phil Ivey ’17

- David “Devilfish” Ulliott ‘17

- Mori Eskandani ’18

- John Hennigan ’18

- Chris Moneymaker ’19

- Huck Seed ‘20

- Eli Elezra ‘21

- Layne Flack ’22

- Brian Rast ‘23

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Brian Rast officially named 2023 Poker Hall of Fame inductee

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) today announced Brian Rast as the 2023 Poker Hall of Fame inductee. The six-time WSOP gold bracelet winner was honored yesterday afternoon with an induction ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and fans inside the Paris Ballroom at Paris Las Vegas before cards were in the air for the annual $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bount No-Limit Hold'em.

One of poker’s biggest names, Rast is credited as the only player to have ever cashed more than $1 million in tournaments for seven years in a row and is currently ranked 29th on poker’s all-time money list with a total of $25,258,945 in live earnings. So far, in his 2023 WSOP run, Rast has made history twice, becoming the 19th person in WSOP history to win a sixth bracelet and the only player to have won the $50,000 Poker Players Championship event three times.

“With a nearly 20-year-long career riddled with record-breaking wins and historic runs, Brian Rast is one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen,” said WSOP Vice President Jack Effel. “With the 2023 WSOP breaking records left and right, it only makes sense to put a record-setter himself amongst some of the greatest of all time. We are honored to induct Brian Rast into the Poker Hall of Fame and look forward to his successes to come.”

Following the induction ceremony, the WSOP unveiled Rast’s photo at the new exhibit inside Horseshoe Las Vegas. The new poker room features a first-of-its-kind Poker Hall of Fame exhibit acknowledging poker’s most legendary players with a Gallery of Champions, WSOP bracelets and rings.

“Poker is at the very heart of the Horseshoe brand,” said Jason Gregorec, SVP and General Manager of Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. “We’re thrilled to have the Hall of Fame Poker Room open as a year-round attraction for players and fans alike. The action won’t stop when the 2023 WSOP ends. Congratulations to Brian Rast for taking his rightful place here alongside the other legends of the game.”

Located adjacent to the resort’s front entrance near the Lobby Bar, the 4,900-square-foot poker room features 18 custom poker tables with upscale furniture and equipment to offer players an elevated gaming experience. LED TVs surround the room giving players access to sports viewing, current game lists, and tournament clocks.

The Hall of Fame Poker Room was one of many projects associated with the rebranding and transformation of Horseshoe Las Vegas. Guests can now enjoy a variety of new offerings, including Jack Binion's Steak, M.Y. Asia by Chef Martin Yan, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen, and the ARCADE. The resort also features a refreshed exterior, casino floor, and public areas. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 5, international Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese, will star in the “DITA LAS VEGAS A Jubilant Revue” residency in the Jubilee Theater.

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Eli Elezra enshrined into the 2021 Poker Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, the World Series of Poker enshrined veteran poker professional Eli Elezra into the 2021 Poker Hall of Fame. The long-awaited induction ceremony was held in tandem with day two of the Main Event Final Table and the Hall of Fame Bounty tournament at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Elezra has several notable tournament wins including four World Series of Poker gold bracelets - earning his fourth and latest career bracelet in 2019. Elezra, better known as Mr. Vegas, claimed the win in Event #20 $1,500 Seven-Card Stud at the 2019 WSOP. His triumphant win in the four-day event earned him an illustrious career high of $93,766, leaving him with a lifetime career total of $2,620,198.

Next year, this ceremony could be taking place at a different location as the WSOP announced it will also be moving from the Rio to Bally's – Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on the Strip, with actor, comedian and card player Vince Vaughn named as the event's official celebrity Master of Ceremonies.

After a 17-year run at the Rio, the WSOP will be held at the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip inside Bally's and Paris for the first time.

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AGA announces Gaming Hall of Fame inductees14 September 2021

Today, the American Gaming Association announced the Gaming Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021, recognizing leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry.

“Each of these pioneers has left a unique, indelible mark on our industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Under their leadership, tribal gaming has boomed, professional sports leagues have embraced sports betting, and the gaming industry is thriving despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past year and a half.”

Since its establishment in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has honored an annual class of industry leaders until last year when the selection and event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Class of 2020 and 2021 will be honored during the invitation-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo.

“This year’s honorees have been key players in proving that gaming is a world-class entertainment experience,” added Aristocrat Technologies CEO and AGA Chairman of the Board Trevor Croker. “We’re proud to recognize them and the important role they’ve played shaping gaming into the dynamic industry it is today.”

Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:

Joe Bertolone, Executive Director, ICGR at UNLV
Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
Mary Cheeks, President and General Manager, Jamul Casino
Trevor Croker, CEO, Aristocrat Technologies and Chairman, AGA
Christie Eickelman, Vice President, Global Marketing, GLI and (former) President, Global Gaming Women
Alan Feldman, Board Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
Brian Hansberry, President, Delaware North, Gaming
Steve Sutherland, President and CEO, Konami Gaming Inc.
Virginia Valentine, President and CEO, Nevada Resort Association

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Huckleberry Seed newest member of Poker Hall of Fame

1996 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Huckleberry “Huck” Seed is the 2020 inductee to the Poker Hall of Fame.

In addition to being a fixture of high stakes cash games for several decades, Seed has several notable tournament wins, including four (4) World Series of Poker gold bracelets. Seed won the 2009 NBC Heads up Tournament for $500,000 and the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions. His total live tournament winnings are currently $7,649,864.

Seed, a Las Vegas resident, stands 6-foot-7 and was an all-state basketball player in Montana for Corvallis high school. He went on to star on the basketball team at Caltech college, where he studied electrical engineering. Away from the table, there are many tall tales of Seed’s wagers, Nicknamed the “Master of the Prop Bet,” additional Seed bets included he could train his long frame to do a standing backflip within six months and not shave for an entire year.

“Hearing the news that I am being inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame this year brought back memories of my early poker days, walking into the Binion’s Horseshoe, about to start a poker session, admiring all the Poker Hall of Famers on the wall,” Seed said. “It feels good to be included with all the poker legends that I once idolized and competed against over the years. Thank you everyone.”

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Poker Hall of Fame finalists announced

Following nearly two weeks of open nominations for the Poker Hall of Fame, today the list of ten finalists was announced. These finalists will now be considered by living members of the hall of fame, who will allocate a ballot of 10 total points to any or all of the nominees to decide who will be inducted. The 2020 Finalists are (in alphabetical order): Patrik Antonius; Lon McEachern and Norman Chad; Eli Elezra; Antonio Esfandiari; Chris Ferguson; Ted Forrest; Mike Matusow; Matt Savage; Isai Scheinberg; Huckleberry Seed;

There are three new finalists in the 2020 class, including Lon McEachern and Norman Chad becoming the first “duo” nominated for induction due to their outstanding contributions to the WSOP broadcasts on ESPN, Patrik Antonius and Isai Scheinberg. Six of the nominees were also finalists in 2019, with another, long-time tournament director Matt Savage, a finalist in previous years.

The Poker Hall of Fame criteria remains the same as previous years, A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition Be a minimum of 40-years-old at time of nomination Played for high stakes Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers Stood the test of time Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results. The 2020 inductees will be announced Wednesday, 30 December prior to the WSOP Main Event finale at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

It is expected that a formal induction ceremony will take place later in 2021.

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Nominations for Poker Hall of Fame now open

Nominations for the Poker Hall of Fame have officially opened today and will remain open through Friday, 11 December at WSOP.com/PHOF. All poker enthusiasts across the country and globe are encouraged to nominate those they feel most worthy of meeting the Poker Hall of Fame criteria:

A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition Be a minimum of 40-years-old at time of nomination Played for high stakes Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers Stood the test of time Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results. The 2019 finalists, all whom remain eligible for induction include: Chris Bjorin, David Chiu, Eli Elezra, Antonio Esfandiari, Chris Ferguson, Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow and Huckleberry Seed. The open nomination process on WSOP.com is meant to identify other worthy nominees to fill out the finalist ballot, which will include 8-10 individuals.

On Wednesday, 16 December, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. will announce the finalist list, which will be delivered to the 32 living Hall of Fame members to cast their votes. Each Hall of Famer will have ten (10) total points to allocate as they see fit across the finalist nominees. In 2020, as was the case from 1980-2004, only one honoree will be inducted. The 2020 inductee will be announced Wednesday, 30 December just prior to the WSOP Main Event finale.

In 2019, Chris Moneymaker and David Oppenheim become the 57th and 58th individuals to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

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2019 Poker Hall of Fame finalists announced

The finalists list eligible for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2019 has been determined.

It will now be up to the current 30-member Hall of Famers and a 21-person panel of poker industry media members to determine who actually does join this exclusive club. The following represents the finalists:

2019 Poker Hall of Fame Finalists
Chris Bjorin
David Chiu
Eli Elezra
Antonio Esfandiari
Chris Ferguson
Ted Forrest
Mike Matusow
Chris Moneymaker
David Oppenheim
Huckleberry Seed
Only one new candidate has been nominated, and the nine others are previous finalists.

The new candidate is Antonio Esfandiari. The other nine are previous finalists – Chris Bjorin, David Chiu, Eli Elezra, Chris Ferguson, Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow, Chris Moneymaker, David Openheim and Huck Seed.

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Ivey and 'Devilfish' Ulliott named to Poker Hall of Fame

The 2017 Poker Hall of Fame (PHOF) Class has its newest members as first-time eligible Phil Ivey and British poker legend David “Devilfish” Ulliott enter poker’s most exclusive club. Ivey and Ulliott become the 53rd and 54th individuals to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

They were nominated by the public, vetted by the PHOF Governing Council and voted in by the 27 living Poker Hall of Fame members, and an 18-person Blue Ribbon Media Panel, it was announced today by the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council.

Ivey and Ulliott will be inducted officially on Friday, July 21 as part of the live World Series of Poker Main Event final table coverage on ESPN.

Ivey is well known throughout the world for his poker prowess and checked all the boxes required for consideration. Ivey sits fifth all-time on the live poker tournament money list with $23,856,034 in winnings, and this does not take into account any of his online poker or cash game play. Ivey is the youngest player in WSOP history to amass 10 victories, and just this year turned the required minimum age of 40 to be considered for Poker Hall of Fame induction.

“I want to thank the living members of the Poker Hall of Fame as well as the media who voted for me to be part of the Poker Hall of Fame,” said Ivey. “It’s an honor to be inducted alongside legends like Chip Reese and Doyle Brunson. I love the game of poker and the game has done a lot for me. I am one of the lucky people who has been able to make a living playing a game which was always my passion. Thankfully, I’m just as passionate about the game today as when I first stepped into Binion’s Horseshoe to play my first-ever WSOP. Thank you to my family, my friends, and all the poker fans across the world that supported me on this journey.”

Ulliott, who passed away from cancer in April, 2015, gets the ultimate recognition in poker for his role in growing the game in England. From Kingston Upon Hull, Ulliott was a fixture on Late Night Poker throughout Europe, which helped show the game of poker on television and the “Devilfish” was a true character who captivated audiences and kept them tuning in. He won a WSOP gold bracelet at the 1997 World Series of Poker and was a fixture at poker tournaments for more than two decades.

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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."

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2016 Poker Hall of Fame finalists unveiled

After a public nomination process, and a vetting of nominations by the PHOF Governing Council, the finalists list eligible for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2016 has been determined.

It will now be up to the current Hall of Famers and a blue ribbon panel of media members to determine who actually does join this exclusive club. The following represents the finalists:

Chris Bjorin
Humberto Brenes
Todd Brunson
Eli Elezra
Bruno Fitoussi
Chris Moneymaker
Carlos Mortensen
Max Pescatori
Matt Savage
David "Devilfish" Ulliott

Three new candidates have been nominated, and seven previous finalists make up the 2016 list.

The new candidates are: Todd Brunson, Eli Elezra and Chris Moneymaker.

Six of last year's finalists return -- Chris Bjorin, Bruno Fitoussi, Carlos Mortensen, Max Pescatori, Matt Savage and David Ulliott -- and one previous nominee – Humberto Brenes, once again find themselves in the Top 10.

The above list of names will be submitted to the 25 living Hall of Fame members and a 20-person media panel later this month for voting. Only these 45 individuals cast votes for induction.

The criteria they will consider in their vote are as follows:
-A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
-Be a minimum of 40 years old at time of nomination
-Played for high stakes
-Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
-Stood the test of time
-Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results.

The 2016 Class of the Poker Hall of Fame will be inducted as part of the World Series of Poker Main Event final table festivities in Las Vegas during a special dinner and induction to be held at the famed Binion's Gambling Hall. The induction ceremony and dinner are set for Wednesday, 26 October in the famed Longhorn Room at Binion's in downtown Las Vegas.

Nine of the ten finalists are living, and it is expected the inductee(s) or representative of the inductee will be able to attend the induction. Inductee(s) will be acknowledged on stage during November Nine festivities in the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino as well.

Later this month, official ballots will be sent to the voters, who will have until 7 October to fill them out and return them to the WSOP Governing Council. The inductee(s) are expected to be announced after all votes have been officially tallied.

Please read below for a brief about each of this year's finalists for the Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2016, listed in alphabetical order.

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Negreanu, McClelland inducted into Poker Hall of Fame

The world’s all-time highest-earning live tournament poker player, Daniel Negreanu, became the 47th – and youngest – member of the Poker Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 9.

An induction ceremony took place at 7.30pm local time in Binion’s Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, on the eve of the WSOP Main Event November Nine final table, with 40-year-old Team PokerStars Pro, Negreanu, voted in by a 20-member media panel and the 21 living Hall of Fame members. Industry veteran Jack McClelland was also inducted as the 48th member.

Shortly after the ceremony, Negreanu, who is Canadian but resides in Las Vegas, said: “There’s something about winning tournaments and player of the year awards that’s fabulous, but when you’re voted for by your peers and recognised by the media and those that are already living members of the Hall of Fame, that’s irreplaceable.”

He added: “I’m in the 40th year of my life, I’m physically and mentally in the best place I’ve ever been, so to top it off with this is extra special. Once you’re in the Hall of Fame they can’t kick you out! It’s the epitome of acknowledgement for what we do.”

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Negreanu is one of the most highly decorated players in the poker world, with nearly $30 million in live tournament winnings – over $3 million more than the second highest player – and a string of major championship titles and cashes. Here is a summary of some of his career achievements:

Youngest member of Poker Hall of Fame

Number one on the all-time money list

Six World Series of Poker bracelets, including APAC Main Event winner
Only two-time WSOP Player of the Year

Largest cash: $8,288,001 – $1m WSOP ‘Big One for One Drop’ (June 2014)

More than 35 tournament wins and closing in on 250 live tournament cashes

Six cashes of more than $1 million – more than any other player

Two World Poker Tour titles

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Negreanu, McClellan to be inducted into Poker Hall of Fame

LAS VEGAS -- The 2014 Poker Hall of Fame Class will feature a first ballot inductee – Daniel Negreanu – and one who has spent four decades contributing to the game – Jack McClelland. The two become the 47th and 48th individuals to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. The two were nominated by the public and voted in by a 41-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.

McClelland and Negreanu will be inducted officially on Sunday, November 9 at 7:30 pm 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 occur inside the Longhorn Room, which was originally called Benny’s Bullpen. Benny’s Bullpen hosted the very first final table of the World Series of Poker in 1970.

The Poker Hall of Fame Gala kicks off the November Nine festivities, taking place a day before the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event final table gets underway at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (Nov. 10-11). The venue is a sentimental choice given it is where McClelland served as tournament director and Negreanu won his first World Series of Poker bracelet.

“Congratulations to the newest members of the Poker Hall of Fame,” said Poker Hall of Fame governing council member Ty Stewart. “While a contrast in styles, there is a common thread between these two deserving nominees. Both liveall-in on poker and have devoted their full hearts to the game.”

McClelland, 63, has spent four decades in the game of poker on the operator side of the business holding virtually every position in a poker room, while Negreanu, 40, burst onto the scene as a player, with three victories in 1997 and has done nothing but win since, becoming poker’s No. 1 ranked live player, with nearly $30 million in live tournament winnings.

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