The Poker Hall of Fame is gearing up to deal a new hand, and three fresh faces: Phil Galfond, Scott Seiver, and Nick Schulman have made the cut as first-time finalists. These newcomers join seven familiar names on the 10-player shortlist, each hoping to land the coveted lone seat available in poker's most exclusive club.
Last year, Patrik Antonius earned that honor, and he reflected on the moment with gratitude: "This was really special for me. I've always been a student of the game and wanted to see poker continue to grow. It feels like we're in the golden era now - breaking records everywhere."
This summer, it's the Hall of Fame veterans who'll hold the cards, as only they have the votes to determine who gets enshrined next.
Here are the 10 finalists vying for a place in the Hall:
- Jeremy Ausmus
- "Miami" John Cernuto
- Ted Forrest
- Phil Galfond
- Kathy Liebert
- Mike Matusow
- Matt Savage
- Isai Scheinberg
- Nick Schulman
- Scott Seiver
Three names - Galfond, Schulman, and Seiver - have just become eligible and wasted no time making an impact. But they'll face stiff competition from seasoned nominees. Matt Savage, the longtime WPT Executive Tour Director, is now on his 10th run at the Hall. Kathy Liebert, a pioneer for women in poker and WSOP bracelet winner, is once again in the spotlight, as is Mike "The Mouth" Matusow, a major figure from the poker boom era.
Ted Forrest, a six-time bracelet winner, also returns to the list, and he's already secured a high-profile endorsement: Poker Hall of Famer John Hennigan publicly pledged his vote to Forrest earlier this year.
The late "Miami" John Cernuto, a legend with the most tournament cashes of all time, could be honored posthumously. Meanwhile, Jeremy Ausmus and PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg continue to earn consistent support as yearly contenders.
The Newcomers Stack Up
All three new finalists come with serious chips:
Nick Schulman, fresh off winning his seventh WSOP bracelet, is as respected for his sharp analysis in the commentary booth as he is at the table. Support from the likes of Daniel Negreanu has made Schulman a frontrunner.
Scott Seiver, the reigning WSOP Player of the Year, has long commanded respect in both tournament fields and high-stakes cash games around the globe.
Phil Galfond, known online as "OMGClayAiken," is widely hailed as the greatest pot-limit Omaha player in history. His contributions go beyond the felt, including launching the Run It Once training site and poker platform.
Judgment Day: July 11
Only one name will be called, and the final decision rests in the hands of the living Hall of Fame members. The winner will be revealed on July 11 during the 2025 World Series of Poker, just ahead of Event #92: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty.
It's a stacked lineup with no easy folds. Whether voters back a battle-tested veteran or a blazing-hot newcomer, the next inductee will add another storied chapter to poker's rich legacy.
Source: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/2025-wsop/news/2025-poker-hall-of-fame-finalists-47869.htm
