For more than 40 years, the decoration of the WSOP Main Event Champion has been inextricably linked to the introduction of a new personality to the poker hall of fame. Such an honor is not just for anyone, so that you can even appear among the nominees, you must meet several conditions:

• Minimum 40 years of age
• The player had to play high stakes
• He had to play poker against recognized poker competition
• He also had to play well for a long time and gain the respect of others
• He should pass the test over time
• If it is not a player, the person should contribute to the development and success of poker

After an extensive round in which the public voted for their favorites, ten finalists were formed, among whom a jury composed of media representatives and living members of the Hall of Fame will decide on the next addition (or additions). Huck Seed became the latest addition last year, and we'll find out soon who will be added this year.

Even this year, this survey did not avoid conflicting opinions and nominations, which are associated with mixed feelings. In addition to active players, we will also find tournament director Matt Savage, the late Layn Flack, and the duo Chris Ferguson and Isai Scheinberg, whose names are infamously associated with Black Friday. What will you say to whom would you give your only vote?

Antonio Esfandiari

The first winner of the million-dollar buy-in tournament held the title of the biggest individual win for many years, but the fact that this 18-million win was not just a coincidence proves the magicians' biography. During his 20-year career, we will find another 9 million dollars in winnings, including two WPT titles.

Ted Forrest

The six-time WSOP champion is considered one of the best stud players in the world, especially in cash games. The absence of a major tournament win for the last decade may play against him, but this is understandable given CG's preference.

Chris Ferguson

Also six-time WSOP champion nicknamed Jesus is one of the most controversial poker personalities. On the one hand, he was the main face of the poker boom, but on the other hand, the affair of tunneled Full Tilt dragged on with him for many years, but Ferguson never directly confessed to it.

Betrand „ElkY“ Grospellier

For many years, the only representative of european continent was one of the main figures of the online scene, in which he once turned from a computer game player into the dreaded nosebleed shark. However, he is no worse on the live stage, he has almost $15 million in winnings, the valuable triumph of Triple Crowne and two WSOP bracelets.

Mike Matusow

Around the year 2000, the long-standing regular was considered one of the best PLO/8 players in the world. Although he has not won a bracelet since 2013, he has four on his resume, along with which he also achieved two participations in the final table of the Main Event.

Eli Elezra

Israeli legend of high stakes poker and four-time WSOP champion has been a regular participant in huge games at the legendary Bobby's Roome in Bellagio. Unfortunately, a tarnished reputation speaks against him, as a lot of information about debts to other players has emerged.

Michael Mizrachi

One of the world's best non-Holdem players has confirmed the title by winning three times in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, which is rightly considered the most challenging tournament in the world. In addition, he has two WPT titles and two other WSOP titles, and many agree that PPC successes alone make his case to enter the elite Hall of Fame.

Layne Flack

The six-time WSOP champion has won more than $5 million in his career and has been considered by many to be a very cheerful, funny and enjoyable companion. Unfortunately, Flack left us in July this year at the age of only 52.

Matt Savage

The CEO of the WPT series has become an important figure in the poker industry in many parts of the world. He is one of the major ambassadors of poker and is also very popular in the role of tournament director.

Isai Scheinberg

The founder of PokerStars has become one of the key figures in the industry, when he practically stood behind the birth of the Internet boom. However, his name is also associated with controversy, as he also appeared on the defendants list during Black Friday, but unlike the gentlemen from Fulltilt, he cleared his name, which he took care of by repaying the debt of the non-existent Full Tilt from his own resources.