WSOP’s Poker Hall of Fame Open for Nominations

June 26th, 2017 | by Jason Reynolds

Nominations for the 2017 Poker Hall of Fame are now open and fans are being asked to submit their picks via the World Series of Poker’s (WSOP) official ballot page.

Will Phil Ivey make it into the Poker Hall of Fame at the first time of asking? (Image: YouTube.com)

As has been the case in previous years, the first stage of the 2017 Poker Hall of Fame will consist of an online ballot where people can submit the names of players they think should be considered.

Under the rules of the system, all those submitting a nomination need to give a name and the reason they believe their suggestion is worth of a place alongside the game’s top figures.

Players Must Have Poker Pedigree

As well as giving their own reasons, the WSOP insists that nominees meet the following criteria:

A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition i.e. top level pros for a substantial amount of time.

A player must have played for high stakes, which generally means in live cash games.

The player must be at least 40 years old at time of being nominated.

The players must have played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers i.e. there must be a consensus among the top players that the nominee is at an elite level.

The player must have stood the test of time i.e. been around the game for a long period of time.

For non-players, such as tournament directors, poker room managers etc, they must have contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker in a way that’s left a lasting impression on the game.

In total there are 52 members of the Poker Hall of Fame. In 2016, Todd Brunson and Carlos Mortensen were inducted ahead of players such as David Ulliott, Chris Moneymaker and Max Pescatori.

Ivey a Hot Favorite

This year, many are tipping Phil Ivey to make the cut. After turning 40 back in February, Ivey became eligible for selection for the first time. With 10 WSOP bracelets to his name and a reputation as one of the top cash game players in the world, Ivey is regarded by many as a definite for the Poker Hall of Fame.

While Ivey may be a lock to take one of the two spots available this year, there are plenty of other credible players that could join him, including:

Dave Ulliott

David Benyamin

John Duthie

Chris Moneymaker

The nomination process will close in July before the top ten are voted on by a panel of judges and current Poker Hall of Fame members. The two players will then be inducted in a special ceremony that will take place during the final table of the WSOP Main Event.