ShareNominations for the 2023 Poker Hall of Fame are now open, giving you a voice in determining this year's inductee. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) accepts fan nominations on WSOP.com until June 18. To be eligible, individuals must be 40 years of age or older. Non-players must have made significant contributions to the growth of the game.
Isai Scheinberg, the founder of PokerStars, and Matt Savage, a long-time Executive Tour Director for the World Poker Tour (WPT), are notable examples often considered in the "contributor" category. As for players, the prerequisites include a consistent performance at the high-stakes level and a long-standing presence in the game. Factors such as winning bracelets, excelling in high-stakes cash games, and accumulating Hendon Mob stats are among the various considerations for fans in selecting.
Although there has been extensive debate among poker fans, only one individual, whether a player or contributor, has been chosen each year since 2020, and the WSOP has no plans to alter this rule. Therefore, fans and the final voting panel must compare players, industry figures/non-players when deciding who deserves the honor this year.
Once the fan nominations are received, the top 10 selections will be submitted to the 32 living members of the Poker Hall of Fame (PHoF) for their vote on the 2023 inductee. Last year, the late Layne Flack, a six-time WSOP bracelet winner, was chosen by his peers.
Determining the favorites is challenging due to the fierce competition. However, a few individuals have received multiple nominations, such as Matt Savage, who has come close to induction in seven of the past eight years. Savage, known for his instrumental role in establishing uniform tournament rules, openly expresses his desire to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Brian Rast, a five-time bracelet winner, also confidently argues that he is the most deserving candidate. In a 2021 interview with PokerNews, Rast, who became eligible last year, stated, "If people vote fairly next year, I think I'll make it in."
Isai Scheinberg is a prominent figure in online poker. Daniel Negreanu has advocated for Scheinberg's induction. Mike Matusow, a four-time bracelet winner, has garnered some public support.
With only one selection permitted, it will be challenging for fans and current Hall of Fame members to choose. Moreover, there will soon be a substantial backlog of deserving superstars, including Tom Dwan, Scott Seiver, Justin Bonomo, Jason Mercier, Jason Koon, and many others, as they become eligible for induction in the coming years.
