The Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979 by Benny Binion to preserve the legacies of the best poker players in the world. It honors the greatest players and most influential figures in the world of poker.
Considered one of the greatest honors in poker, admission into the Poker Hall of Fame is regarded as a player’s lifetime achievement honor. The seven players inducted in 1979 are considered the Poker Hall of Fame Charter Members, and they include Johnny Moss, Edmond Hoyle, Nick “The Greek” Dandolos, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, Felton “Corky” McCorquodale, Red Winn, and Sid Wyman.
➡️ Click here to view list of current Poker Hall of Fame members. ⬅️
Nominations are submitted by the public each year, followed by a vote from living Poker Hall of Fame members. This process ensures that inductees satisfy all induction criteria and are chosen by those who understand the game’s highest standards and the prestige of being a Poker Hall of Fame member
The criteria for induction has changed multiple times since 1979. Currently, the main criteria for the Poker Hall of Fame is as follows:
For Poker Players:
- Must be at least 40 years old at the time of nomination
- Must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
- Must have played for high stakes
- Must have consistently performed well and gained the respect of peers
- Must have stood the test of time
For Non-Players:
- Must have contributed to the overall growth and success of poker, with positive and lasting results
Each year during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) the new inductee is announced during a ceremony. Most recently, this has been prior to the $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty bracelet event. Poker Hall of Fame members play this event as a freeroll, and whoever eliminates a Poker Hall of Fame member will receive a bounty equal to the year they were inducted. For example, Patrik Antonius was inducted in 2024, and eliminating him earns that player a $2,024 bounty.
In July 2023, the Horseshoe Las Vegas added a Poker Hall of Fame exhibit to the poker room. It includes a ‘Gallery of Champions’ that has a photo of every WSOP Main Event winner. It also includes a photo of every Poker Hall of Fame member. The Horseshoe Las Vegas poker room is located next to the Jubilee Theater on Level 2 near the Las Vegas Strip entrance.
