Public nominations are now open for the Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Those who want to have a say in the one player that will make the Hall this year need to act fast, as the nomination window began June 6 and ends June 15.
As usual, anyone can nominate someone for the Poker Hall of Fame. And while people are free to nominate who ever they would like, not everyone will actually get consideration. Your next door neighbor might do well in your home poker games, but he does not meet the candidate criteria.
The criteria that does qualify someone for the Poker Hall of Fame is as follows:
- At least 40 years of age at the time of nomination.
- Played and proven themselves at the high stakes.
- Held in high regard by fellow poker players and has faced acknowledged top competition at the poker table.
- Played consistently well, earning the respect of peers.
- Withstood the test of time and achieved longevity in poker.
- For non-players, contributed to the game of poker in a way that has resulted in lasting, positive results
So yeah, your 50-year-old, beloved poker buddy might actually fit a little of that, but he doesn’t remotely qualify for the Hall.
After the nomination period closes, the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council will review the top ten nominees to verify that they meet the above criteria. The finalists will be announced on June 17.
From there, the living members of the Hall of Fame will cast their votes and the single top vote getter will be inducted into the Hall. That honoree will be announced before World Series of Poker Event #92: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty on July 11.
Last year’s nominees were Patrik Antonius, Josh Arieh, Barny Boatman, “Miami” John Cernuto, Ted Forrest, Kathy Liebert, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, Matt Savage, Isai Scheinberg, and Bill Smith. Patrik Antonius was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame, Class of 2024.