The latest batch of nominees for the poker hall of fame (the public voted on www.WSOP.com) have been released and there are some obvious ones (if the Hall of Fame wasn’t so new they would already be there) and at least one major surprise. From here this list will be reviewed by current Hall of Famers and a panel of media members to decide who will be a voting member next year. The Top 10 nominated individuals at WSOP.com from May 26-July 2 start with the surprise:
TOM DWAN – Okay, he’ll probably be in there one day. But now? He is an online wunderkind and though lacking many of the traditional credentials he’s drowning in poker earnings. He’s also created the Durrrr Challenge (and though not created for self-promotion it is the biggest self promotion in poker. That’s taking into consideration Hall of Famer Phil Hellmuth year WSOP Main Event entrance. Dwan might deserve it, but he should wait his turn. Lots of lofty names (many on this list) need to go in first.
BARRY GREENSTEIN – He’s lethal.
DAN HARRINGTON — His poker book brought other’s concepts like M to the masses in a palatable and well written way. Plus, his deep runs in the new mega main events made him into a star.
PHIL IVEY – Should already be in. He dominates any variety of poker: live holdem or online omaha poker, stud, razz whatever.
TOM McEVOY — Recently read Tom campaigning for votes on Facebook. He shouldn’t need to.
MEN NGUYEN — Shouldn’t be the first Nguyen in.
SCOTTY NGUYEN – Should be the first Nguyen in.
DANIEL NEGREANU – A little young. His day will come.
ERIK SEIDEL — Johnny Chan wasn’t the only guy immortalized in the film Rounders. Seidel “The Clown Prince of Poker” also has an armoire full of bracelets.
MIKE SEXTON – The voice of the WPT. One day he should make it. Maybe not this year, but Sexton playing and his
The voters will consider the candidates based on this criteria (from WSOP.com):
* A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition — Talk about stating the obvious.
* Played for high stakes – Again
* Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers — Again
* Stood the test of time — Okay, Dwan shouldn’t make it yet. What about Ivey and Negreanu? Probably old enough.
* Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results. — Sexton as both a player an announcer probably gets the nod based on this.