2025 Poker Hall of Fame Nominees Revealed: Celebrating Poker’s Icons and Innovators
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The Poker Hall of Fame: Origins, Traditions, and Legacy
The Poker Hall of Fame, established in 1979, stands as one of poker’s highest honors, recognizing legendary players and influential figures who have left an indelible mark on the game. Conceived to preserve the history and integrity of poker, the Hall of Fame honors not only exceptional players but also those who have played pivotal roles in the growth and success of the industry. Each year, this tradition is revisited as a new member joins the exclusive group during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) festivities in Las Vegas.
Key Criteria for Hall of Fame Induction
Induction into the Poker Hall of Fame is a highly selective process with rigorous eligibility requirements. Candidates must be at least 40 years old at the time of nomination. For players, longevity and consistent performance against top-tier competition at high stakes are critical. Non-player nominees are evaluated on their lasting, positive contributions to the evolution and prosperity of poker.
Selection is determined by a vote among living Hall of Fame members, maintaining the organization’s integrity and legacy.
Highlights of the 2025 Nominee Class
This year’s shortlist features a remarkable blend of renowned professionals and industry trailblazers, reflecting the diversity and depth of influence within the poker community. The chosen inductee will be announced at the $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty tournament, taking place on July 11 at the Horseshoe and Paris casinos in Las Vegas.
- Jeremy Ausmus – A six-time WSOP bracelet winner and high-stakes regular, Ausmus captured the 2024 PokerGO Tour player of the year title and secured a $1.9 million win at a recent Triton Poker high roller event.
- “Miami” John Cernuto – A poker veteran with a career spanning over four decades, Cernuto, who passed away in early 2025, earned $6.5 million in live tournaments and won three WSOP bracelets.
- Ted Forrest – An enduring competitor originally from New York, Forrest boasts three WSOP bracelets, $6.4 million in live winnings, and is remembered for his participation in legendary high-stakes battles against billionaire Andy Beal.
- Phil Galfond – Known for his prowess at the tables and his legacy as a poker entrepreneur, Galfond has three WSOP bracelets and founded the Run It Once poker site, which helped shape the future of online poker.
- Kathy Liebert – A groundbreaker for women in poker, Liebert made history by winning the 2002 Party Poker Million for $1 million. With one WSOP bracelet and six World Poker Tour final tables, her contributions to the game continue to inspire.
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- Mike Matusow – Nicknamed “The Mouth,” Matusow became a household name throughout the poker boom of the 2000s, earning four WSOP bracelets and making two Main Event final tables. This year marks his fourth consecutive nomination.
- Matt Savage – A respected tournament director, Savage oversees the WPT and several prominent poker series, ensuring the smooth running and fair play in elite competition.
- Isai Scheinberg – As the founder of PokerStars, Scheinberg revolutionized online poker and has been instrumental in the industry’s growth, a nominee for the fourth straight year.
- Nick Schulman – With seven WSOP bracelets and $23.8 million in live winnings, Schulman is also celebrated for his insightful commentary on PokerGO broadcasts.
- Scott Seiver – Matching Schulman’s bracelet tally, Seiver enjoyed a standout run at last year’s WSOP, claiming three titles. His career tournament winnings total $27.1 million.
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The Selection Process: Weighing Achievement and Influence
For 2025, first-time nominees Galfond, Schulman, and Seiver reach Hall of Fame eligibility, each having recently turned 40. Given the depth of this year’s field, selection remains intensely competitive, with many deserving candidates. This strict “one per year” induction policy has prompted debates about possibly expanding the number of annual honorees to avoid a growing backlog of worthy contributors.
Cernuto, remembered fondly following his passing, may receive posthumous support. Matusow continues to campaign for recognition based on his exceptional track record, while Forrest’s long career and Liebert’s trailblazing impact also attract significant attention. Scheinberg is widely acknowledged for transforming the online poker industry. Ultimately, just one will be immortalized this year.
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Reflecting on Past Inductees and Their Impact
In 2024, the Hall welcomed Patrik Antonius, renowned for his dominance both online and in live high-stakes environments. On his induction, Antonius expressed heartfelt appreciation for being listed among poker’s greats, underscoring the prestige and emotional significance that comes with the honor.
Inducted Hall of Fame members are granted complimentary entry into the Poker Hall of Fame Bounty tournament, where special bounty prizes matching their induction years are awarded for eliminating these legends. New inductees also have their photographs displayed in the WSOP Hall of Fame Poker Room at Horseshoe Las Vegas, cementing their legacy for future generations.
Comprehensive List of Poker Hall of Fame Members
Recognizing decades of exceptional skill and influence, the Hall of Fame is home to poker’s most influential names and pioneers. Explore the roster below, featuring a cross-section of iconic players and industry leaders from around the world.
| Member Name | Year Inducted | Member Name | Year Inducted | Member Name | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Abdo | 1982 | Henry Green | 1986 | Carlos Mortensen | 2016 |
| Crandell Addington | 2005 | T “Blondie” Forbes | 1980 | Johnny Moss | 1979 |
| Patrik Antonius | 2024 | Barry Greenstein | 2011 | Daniel Negreanu | 2014 |
| Bobby Baldwin | 2003 | Jennifer Harman | 2015 | Scotty Nguyen | 2013 |
| Billy Baxter | 2006 | Dan Harrington | 2010 | David Oppenheim | 2019 |
| Lyle Berman | 2002 | Murph Harrold | 1984 | Henry Orenstein | 2008 |
| Joe Bernstein | 1983 | Phil Hellmuth | 2007 | Walter “Puggy” Pearson | 1987 |
| Benny Binion | 1990 | John Hennigan | 2018 | Julius Oral Popwell | 1996 |
| Jack Binion | 2005 | James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok | 1979 | Thomas “Amarillo Slim” Preston | 1992 |
| Bill Boyd | 1981 | Red Hodges | 1985 | Brian Rast | 2023 |
| Doyle Brunson | 1988 | Edmond Hoyle | 1979 | David “Chip” Reese | 1991 |
| Todd Brunson | 2016 | Phil Ivey | 2017 | Brian “Sailor” Roberts | 2012 |
| Johnny Chan | 2002 | Linda Johnson | 2011 | Huck Seed | 2020 |
| T.J. Cloutier | 2006 | Berry Johnston | 2004 | Erik Seidel | 2010 |
| Nick Dandolos | 1979 | John Juanda | 2015 | Mike Sexton | 2009 |
| Eric Drache | 2012 | Jack Keller | 1993 | Jack “Treetop” Straus | 1988 |
| Eli Elezra | 2021 | Jack McClelland | 2014 | Duane “Dewey” Tomko | 2008 |
| Barbara Enright | 2007 | Felton McCorquodale | 1979 | David “Devilfish” Ulliott | 2017 |
| Mori Eskandani | 2018 | Tom McEvoy | 2013 | Stu “The Kid” Ungar | 2001 |
| Fred “Sarge” Ferris | 1989 | Chris Moneymaker | 2019 | Red Winn | 1979 |
| Layne Flack | 2022 | Roger Moore | 1997 | Sid Wyman | 1979 |
The Enduring Significance of the Poker Hall of Fame
The Poker Hall of Fame continues to honor the game’s brightest stars and most influential visionaries, serving as a testament to the sport’s ongoing evolution. As the Hall prepares to welcome its 2025 inductee, its legacy of celebrating excellence and shaping the narrative of poker remains as vital as ever. The annual nomination and induction process not only sustains poker’s rich history but also inspires the next generation of players and innovators worldwide.
