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Poker Hall of Fame | History, Purpose & Famous Members

What is the Poker Hall of Fame, and Who’s In It

Various standards may be applied to measure one’s success and achievements in poker. Some experts base their calculations on total career winnings, while others prefer to count WSOP bracelets (quite reasonable!). Let’s not forget those who focus on trending factors, for example, the number of social media followers (which is somewhat questionable!).

The Poker Hall of Fame is an attempt to combine all of these criteria and identify the most outstanding figures. In this post, we look behind the scenes of this Hall.


So, What Exactly Is the Poker Hall of Fame?

The Poker Hall of Fame (PHOF) is the highest form of recognition of one’s skill and contribution to the game and industry. Those who show respect and help build a positive reputation around both. As well as those who stand behind the best poker app for Android or iOS, and innovations.

This virtual gallery was founded in 1979 by Benny Binion, a person who also brought the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to life.

To this day, the physical headquarters of the PHOF is located in Las Vegas – the gambling capital of the world. And, in particular, the home of major poker tournaments visited by thousands. A bunch of them explore Cardmates list of UK mobile poker apps or similar rankings and play online before ever sitting at a live table.

Why Does the Poker Hall of Fame Exist?

The original purpose of the PHOF was to attract travellers to the casino owned by Beeny himself. Raise their interest in poker and encourage them to join the tables. This goal lost its relevance.

Today, its mission is multifaceted:

  • Preserve and expand the history of poker.
  • Recognise the achievements of players and key industry figures.
  • Inspire future generations.

Those nominated are officially announced during the WSOP in Sin City.

How Candidates are Selected, How the Vote is Held

Before 2009, the public wasn’t involved in determining potential candidates. But the wind changed, and poker fans from all over the globe now have a hand in selecting nominees. The whole process includes three stages:

  1. Public nomination period. People put forward names via a dedicated online form and provide a reasonable explanation for their decision.
  2. Forming the list of finalists. This “burden” falls on the shoulders of the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council. They vet fans’ submissions.
  3. Final voting. Final voting. Living Hall of Fame members step in. Each casts a vote for one of the shortlisted parties to nail the inductee(s).

Let’s sum it up. The top 10 names, selected by the PHOF's committee based on the public’s requests, conduct a closed vote. And, once a year, living PHOF’s members choose 1 or 2 inductees. As of January 2026, the honoured list includes 65 poker legends.

Who Can Enter the Poker Hall of Fame?

A candidate may be inducted if they are:

  • A poker pro (WSOP bracelet holders have priority)
  • A tournament director
  • Someone behind the best poker apps or platforms
  • A promoter of poker on television or online
  • A game ambassador

Selection Criteria – How are Potential Candidates Filtered?

There are certain standards. Nominees must meet the set of requirements, which includes:

  • Minimum age requirement – 40
  • Poker experience – at least 10 years
  • Performance at a high-stakes level
  • Recognition from peers

While non-players nominated must:

  • Show significant positive impact, e.g. create the best online poker app
  • Demonstrate consistent devotion to promoting the game
  • Have long-term influence at the national or international level

Meet 7 Famous Poker Hall of Fame Members

Benny Binion personally selected the first seven inducted after consultation with his friends. Many years passed since then, and many noble names replenished the gallery.

Let’s discuss 7 famous poker players who joined the Hall of Fame at some point.

  • Benny Binion. Founded the PHOF and the WSOP. It was this legend who transformed poker from mere entertainment into a discipline with millions of fans worldwide.
  • Doyle Brunson. Often called the godfather of poker. Played poker professionally for 50 years, during which he won 10 WSOP bracelets. Authored the legendary “Super System” (poker strategy book).
  • Phil Ivey. Owns as many as 10 WSOP trophies. Ivey’s achievements span all major poker formats, as he stands behind the best poker app with social games.
  • Johnny Chan. Took down the WSOP Main Event two years in a row – in 1987 and 1988. Boasts 10 WSOP bracelets on the record. Gained true fame after appearing in the film “Rounders.”
  • Barbara Enright. The first lady to finish 5th at the WSOP final table – it happened in 1995. In 2007, she became the first female member of the Hall of Fame.
  • Johnny Moss. Won the WSOP Main Event in 1970 and then twice more. Holds 9 WSOP bracelets.
  • Stu Ungar. Known as a professional gin rummy and poker player. Could remember every card, and even being seriously ill, he won the WSOP Main Event in 1997. Stu was inducted into the list posthumously, 3 years after his death.

Regardless of their path, all of them are now ranked among the world’s best poker players.

Whom the Poker Hall of Fame is Missing

Many remain just one step away from recognition and membership in the Hall of Fame. Among those who deserve to be inducted are:

  1. Isai Scheinberg. Founder of the PokerStars brand and one of the finest poker apps for real money.
  2. Ted Forrest. Nominated many times, winner of 6 WSOP bracelets
  3. Mike Matusow. Owner of 4 WSOP bracelets, nominated but not yet inducted into the PHOF.

Why Being on the PHOF’s List Is So Important

Being inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame means becoming part of poker history. It is the highest form of reward and recognition that industry figures (people behind poker) can achieve. For fans, it serves as a benchmark, whose names to look up to and whose strategies are worth studying and practising in top poker apps.

A Few Interesting Facts & Closing Words

  • Phil Ivey became a PHOF member at 38. There weren’t any age limits before 2011.
  • There are only 2 women on the list: Linda Johnson and Barbara Enright.
  • Some members were recognised posthumously, e.g. Stu Ungar and “Wild Bill” Hickok.

Poker HoF is full of legends whose strategies are worth analysing and whose books are worth reading. Being part of the Hall is primarily an image-driven honour. Many dream of joining it (silently or out loud), or they at least wish to be nominated. Who can be the 2026 inductee? Your thoughts?

The article includes information provided by Julianna Svyrydenko, a poker expert.