In 1979, Benny Binion, the owner of the Horseshoe Casino, created the Poker Hall Of Fame to preserve the names and legacies of the world's greatest poker players. He also was the man behind the first ever World Series of Poker (1970), and the first one to organize high stakes games where the public could watch. Anyhow, Harrah's Entertainment took over the right for WSOP in 2004, and also the ownership of the Poker Hall of Fame. Today the Poker Hall of Fame is handled directly by the WSOP crew. Up till now, 37 people have been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Only 15 of those people are still living.
Here are the requirements for Poker Hall of Fame
*A gambler must have played poker against acknowledged top competition,
*Played for high stakes,
*Played consistently well, gained the respect of peers,
*And stood the test of time.
*Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results.
Right now the hottest candidates to get into the Poker Hall of Fame are Phil Ivey (Full Tilt pro), and Mike Sexton (Party Poker's ambassador).
Phil Ivey:
Phillip D. Ivey, born February 1, 1976 in Riverside, California, is an American professional poker player who has won seven World Series of Poker bracelets and now is on the final table in this year's Main Event. Phil Ivey is known to be one of the best cash game and tournament players in the world.
Mike Sexton:
Michael Richard Sexton, born September 22, 1947 in Shelby, Indiana, is an American professional poker player and commentator. He has over $3,7 million in tournament winnings and 45 cashes in the WSOP (one of them a bracelet). Mike Sexton has done a lot of great work for poker and is often called "the ambassador of poker" thanks to this.
Which one do you think have the greatest chance of getting into the Poker Hall of Fame?
