Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979 by eccentric owner of The Horseshoe casino Benny Binion. Binion wished to conduct celebrations in honor of world poker elite.

Benny made a special mention of a group of best players, who proved their skills and were on the top of Texas Holdem. They were as honoured and powerful as Gods of Ancient Greece. They deserved to stand on a pedestal. They deserved to be treated with great respect.

36 men and 1 woman were accepted to the Hall of Fame since 1979. Non-professional players have a chance to be taken into the Hall of Fame as well. The only one requirement is a great contribution to the game, even not at the poker table. The Hall of Fame members include such people as Benny Binion, Jack Binion, James “Wild Bill” Hickok, Edmond Hoyle and Henry Orenstein (inventor of hidden cameras to display cards).

There are 9 candidates to become members of the Hall of Fame this year: Barry Grinstein, Mike Sexton, Erik Seidel, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negranu, Scotty Nguyen, Dan Harrington, Men “The Master” Nguen and Tom McEvoy. The decision on the candidates will be made by 30 members of jury. Jury is consisted of 15 members of the Hall of Fame and 15 competent journalists. Members of jury are allowed to vote for 3 candidates only. But according to the rules a successful candidate has to earn 75 % of votes minimum.

Surprisingly, journalists take part in voting this year. Many people believe that only reigning members of Hall of Fame have a right to make such important decision. But this new rule helps to prevent destruct of Poker Hall of Fame. From now personal relationships between best poker players are not decisive.

Let’s turn to baseball for a while. Such player as Phil “The Scooter” Rizzuto would never earn enough votes to become a member of baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown (NY). But finally Phil was taken into Hall of Fame after 35 years when veterans of “New York Yankees” occupied most chairs in this society.

On the one hand, it would be wise if members of jury could vote anonymously. But if Hall of Fame authorized person dislikes candidate, he would not have a chance to be approved anyway. Poor candidate would have to wait until his foe passes away. And candidate can only step over a dead body.

Is age-limit for candidates necessary?

It seems like age-limit would be a good idea. In other sports Hall of Fames it is a requirement that a candidate has to be a retired person. Poker Hall of Fame does not use this rule. Doyle Brunson proved that it is possible to become a star even at the age of 70. Chip Reese entered list of best players when he was 40. He was playing Texas Holdem until the end of his life. Reese passed away in 2007. He was an active player almost 20 more years after becoming a candidate to enter the Hall of Fame. Maybe it would be wise to apply “Chip Reese Rule” i.e. you cannot become a candidate if you are younger than 40.

If age limit is applied, jury would have to spend many years exploring career achievements of each candidate. Tom “durrrr” Dwan got impressive results when he was 17. And such online poker players as Annette Oberstad starts to build their careers at the age of 15. Modern poker players improve their skills really fast. And it is very difficult to predict what kind of achievements they would have at the age of 40. Results of current Hall of Fame members might be really poor in comparison with achievements of modern young stars such as Oberstad.

Also recommended:

1. Hall of Fame 2009 candidates: middle-class
2. Hall of Fame 2009 candidates: favorites
3. Hall of Fame 2009 candidates: outsiders
4. A true legend of poker Doyle Brunson