The World Series of Poker has announced that the nomination process for the 2018 class of the Poker Hall of Fame is now open. Nominees can be made by the public online, with each individual nominated having to meet a certain set of criteria.
Fans and poker players can begin nominating those who they feel best represent the game to be considered for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame for 2018. Nominees must be 40 years of age or older, have competed for high stakes as well as against acknowledged top competition. The individual must also have played consistently well and have lasted in the poker industry, considered to have stood the test of time within the game.
As far as non-players are considered, individuals that fit into this category will need to have contributed to the success of the game as well as the overall growth, to be eligible for nomination.
The Poker Hall of Fame was created in 1979 with seven individuals inducted that year including Johnny Moss and Red Winn. As of 2017, there are 54 total individuals that have been named as a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. Last year, the late David Ulliott and Phil Ivey were inducted.
Nominations are now being taken at the website of the Poker Hall of Fame, with individuals encouraged to make their nominations, including a brief description as to why they feel the person deserves to be inducted. Submissions will be calculated and then the top 10 will be reviewed by the Governing Council of the Poker Hall of Fame.
From the top 10, the existing members of the Poker Hall of Fame and a chosen media panel will vote to determine the class of 2018. Usually, one to two new members are inducted each year.
Once the inductees have been named, a ceremony will be hosted in Las Vegas, coinciding with the Main Event of the WSOP.