For many, the Poker Hall of Fame stands as the highest honor the game can bestow. This exclusive distinction recognizes individuals who have made an indelible impact on the game, whether through their achievements on the felt or contributions off it. The Hall of Fame was established back in 1979 by Benny Binion, founder of the WSOP and owner of the famed Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. His vision: to honor the true greats of poker and draw the growing poker crowd into his casino.
Originally, the Poker Hall of Fame was located inside Binion’s Horseshoe on Fremont Street, with early inductees like Johnny Moss and “Wild Bill” Hickok. After the WSOP moved to The Strip, the Hall found a new home at the current Horseshoe, where portraits and memorabilia of its members are proudly displayed for the public.
Nomination Criteria
Since 2009, the nomination process has been open to the public, who can submit their picks for consideration. Finalists must be at least 40 years old, have stood the test of time at the highest stakes, and have proven themselves capable of consistently competing with the game’s elite. The ultimate decision rests with living Hall of Famers, who cast their votes to select the newest inductee.
The Ten Finalists for 2025
This year’s finalists feature a blend of legends, perennial grinders, and “rookies” who became eligible after turning 40. It’s a star-studded roster spanning generations of poker history.
- Jeremy Ausmus – A respected American pro with six WSOP bracelets to his name. As of March 2025, Ausmus surpassed 25 million dollars in live tournament winnings and is known for his impressive consistency, especially in High Roller events.
- “Miami” John Cernuto – Legendary American professional famous for his longevity and record tournament cashes. With lifetime earnings exceeding 6.4 million dollars and three WSOP bracelets, Cernuto was a beloved figure in the poker community until his recent passing in February 2025.
- Ted Forrest – An old-school icon and six-time WSOP bracelet winner, Forrest has notched victories across a variety of formats, including his legendary heads-up battle against Andy Beal. He boasts over 6.4 million dollars in tournament earnings and continues to be revered for his classic approach to the game.
- Phil Galfond – Renowned for his Pot-Limit Omaha prowess, Galfond has claimed three WSOP bracelets (2008, 2015, 2018) and was a major force in high-stakes online cash games under the screenname “OMGClayAiken.” He also founded the acclaimed Run It Once training platform, making a lasting contribution to the poker community.
- Kathy Liebert – A true trailblazer for women in poker, Liebert was the first woman to win a tournament with a 5.000-dollar buy-in and went on to capture a WSOP bracelet in 2004. With career earnings north of 7 million dollars, she remains one of the most successful female tournament players ever.
- Mike Matusow – Known as “The Mouth” for his outspoken and often polarizing presence at the table, Matusow is a four-time WSOP bracelet winner. His aggressive style and larger-than-life personality have made him a standout—and sometimes controversial—figure in the poker world.
- Matt Savage – The most recognized tournament director in the world and Executive Tour Director of the WPT. Savage has overseen more than 400 episodes of the WSOP and WPT. As co-founder of the Tournament Directors Association (TDA), he’s been instrumental in setting the standards and rules that govern modern tournament poker.
- Isai Scheinberg – The co-founder of PokerStars (2001), Scheinberg helped create the world’s largest online poker site. His background as a software architect at IBM gave him the vision to build what became a revolutionary platform, sold by his family for 4.9 billion dollars. He stands as one of the most influential figures in the rise of online poker.
- Nick Schulman – An elite American pro and commentator, Schulman hit the Hall of Fame ballot in his very first year of eligibility. His poker résumé features a string of deep runs in high-stakes tournaments, matched by his impact in poker media.
- Scott Seiver – A Player of the Year and all-around superstar, Seiver is known for his versatility. He’s earned three WSOP bracelets in varied disciplines: Razz, Lowball, and Omaha Hi-Lo. Widely respected, Seiver has demonstrated mastery across a range of poker formats and has dominated at countless tables worldwide.
The newest Hall of Famer will be announced during a special Event #92: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty NLH, set for July 11. The winner’s photo will soon take its place in the Horseshoe, commemorating a career achievement that will stand the test of time. Who would get your vote from this standout group? Do you favor legends like Cernuto and Forrest, or are the new-school talents such as Galfond, Schulman, Seiver poised to claim the honor?
Sources – WSOP, Wiki, TheHendonMob, Poker.org