Poker in 2026 is a very different beast to what it was 50 years ago.
Where once the visible tip of the poker pro iceberg would have been a small band of men in cowboy hats, now there are any number of big-name players with multiple trophies, flawless resumes and decades of success behind them.
As a result, there have never been more players out there worthy of recognition from the Poker Hall of Fame.
But — barring last year’s incredible ‘battlefield promotion’ when WSOP Main Event winner Michael Mizrachi was inducted on the spot — the HoF’s strict induction criteria have only permitted one new member per year.
However, as announced on the WSOP Countdown Show today, that's about to change.
The news was broken on the WSOP Countdown Show.Multiple new members expected this summer
Under the previous system, living members of the Hall of Fame would cast their vote for one from of a shortlist of players — nominated by the public — who tick the following boxes:
- Respected by peers
- High stakes experience
- Consistent excellence
- Legacy that lasts
- Shaped the game
- Aged 40 or over
Those criteria remain, but the major change is that each of the 33 HoF members will be able to cast up to 4 votes. If any of the 8 shortlisted players receives 22 votes, they will be added.
That means that — technically, at least — it would be mathematically possible for up to 6 new HoF inductees to join each year.
That would require each member to divide their votes perfectly between six candidates, and is so improbable as to be written off.
However, there exists a very real chance — if not a likelihood — that more than one new member will be inducted this year.
We’ll find out one way or the other towards the end of the World Series when all votes have been tallied and the Class of 2026 is unveiled.
Top players including Shaun Deeb become eligible this year, having turned 40.
Who gets your vote?
The conversation around the strict one-per-year limit on new HoF inductees has been rumbling for some time.
Daniel Negreanu joined us to discuss it over a year ago, but has been far from alone in pointing out that changes need to be made.
PokerGO’s Tim Duckworth recently shared a list of big-name players now eligible.
With so many deserving names in the running, who would get your vote?
You can have your say in the comments below, and by submitting your choice to the WSOP; Public nominations for the 2026 shortlist are open now.
Catch the latest from the WSOP with Jeff Platt and the crew on the daily WSOP Countdown Show at the WSOP YouTube channel.
With thanks to Craig Tapscott for additional reporting.
