The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced the names of the finalists under consideration for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2025.
These 10 players will now be voted for by existing Poker Hall of Fame members:
- Jeremy Ausmus
- 'Miami' John Cernuto
- Ted Forrest
- Phil Galfond
- Kathy Liebert
- Mike Matusow
- Matt Savage
- Isai Scheinberg
- Nick Schulman
- Scott Seiver
Of the 10 finalists, three (Schulman, Seiver, and Galfond) turned 40 years old this year, clearing the hurdle of age that stands as the most clear-cut, no-room-for-interpretation criterion for selection on their first year of eligibility.
The remaining criteria – Respected by Peers, High Stakes Experience, Consistent Excellence, Legacy That Lasts, and Shaped the Game – all have a measure of subjectivity involved.
Time for a change?
While arguments can be made as to why each of these players deserves a spot in the Poker Hall of Fame, the current rules dictate only one inductee per year.
Poker Hall of Fame member Daniel Negreanu has often spoken of the need for change to the selection process — specifically when it comes to the number of players inducted each year. Negreanu's argument has plenty of merit, especially as a number of legendary players approach the 40-year mark and will soon be eligible for nomination.
As more players qualify for the Poker Hall of Fame's criteria, those who have languished on the ballot – Scheinberg, Matusow, and Savage to name a few – may see their chances of induction diminish unless changes are made.
In a recent AMA, WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart confirmed that they would be keeping it to one inductee per year. He said, "It's a very exclusive club, and it should be."
The 2025 Poker Hall of Fame inductee will be announced publicly ahead of the start of WSOP Event #92: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty NLH. Each living Poker Hall of Fame member receives free entry to the event, with a bounty on their head that corresponds to the year they were inducted.
Patrik Antonius was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2024.
