2016 Poker Hall of Fame Nominees Being Accepted Now

In 2016, the Poker Hall of Fame has opened nominations to the public. This is the first step to becoming a member of the hall of fame, but one of the more exciting processes. Anyone with internet can submit their favorite player to be nominated. Along with the player, a small description of why you feel that player should be in the hall of fame is required. Once this nomination process is finished, the next step begins. A panel of the remaining, living hall of fame members, along with a group of poker media experts will dwindle the long list of nominations to just 10 finalists. Once we have a top 10, ballots will be cast to determine the newest members of the Poker Hall of Fame. Like most hall of fames in sports, there are a few rules to qualify. These rules are a bit vaguer and debatable to say the least. Players must have played against top competition that everyone can agree on. Played at high stakes. Had consistent results, while “Gaining the recognition of their peers” “Stood the test of time” And be at least 40 years old. These are all very obscure rules that to be honest, fit perfectly with poker. The only real constant is the age requirement. No one can debate this. But just like other sports, there will always be an argument to deny, or admit a player in to the Hall of Fame. Last year in 2015, we saw only 2 players make it in – Jennifer Harmon and John Juanda. They beat out players like Max Pescatori, Chris Bjorin, Carlos Mortenson and Matt Savage. Carlos Mortenson being the most recognized player left out who many feel deserves to be in, and should get in this year. They both face some tough competition as Phil Ivey turned 40 this year, making him eligible for Hall of Fame induction. This is a no-brainer and already takes away one spot. Mortenson who is a Main Event winner meets all of the above criteria and should make it in this year. Pescatori is the wild card, but deserves to be in this exclusive club. With many European players openly speaking out against the nomination process, and citing that only 1 non-American player is in the Hall of Fame, this may be the year they decide to finally admit another European player. Pescatori is not only deserving as a European player, He is Italy's best poker player of all time. Holds 4 WSOP bracelets, 2 WSOP rings, has won over $2 million at the WSOP with 58 cashes over a 12-year period. With a final table, or a win at the 2016 WSOP, he should be a lock in for the Hall of Fame.