When it comes to the game of poker, there are certain things to expect. In the US, the WSOP (World Series of Poker) takes place every summer and in the fall, a person or persons are inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. For years, this has taken place. However, 2020 had other plans. This year, it has been difficult for poker to take place at all in live form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WSOP was postponed and now details have emerged that the Main Event will take place this year. Along with this announcement, it looks like the Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will be inducted as well.
Recent Developments in the Pro Poker World
As details surrounding the WSOP Main Event emerged, many people began wondering if the Poker Hall of Fame 2020 induction ceremony would happen too. The induction of a new class is an annual tradition and poker fans would hate to see it done away with this year.
In a recent interview with PokerNews, Ty Stewart, the executive director of the WSOP, commented on the Poker Hall of Fame. He said that an inductee will be added this year. There will only be one inductee each year from now on, according to Stewart. However, any further details are unknown.
It is unclear as to how the process will work, but most likely it will be done in a similar fashion as before. Nominations are made, then the group is whittled to a select few. Then a panel decides who will be inducted.
Right now, the WSOP website has changed the Poker Hall of Fame website to say 2020 Poker Hall of Fame online ballot as the heading. The remaining details are old and from 2018. I imagine that when more information is made public, the site will be updated to reflect what will take place this year.
Main Criteria for Poker Hall of Fame Induction
To be nominated, an individual has to meet certain criteria. A player must have played against acknowledged top competition. An individual can be a non-player and have helped the industry grow and be successful in some form or fashion.
Players must be 40 or older at the time of the nomination. They must have played consistently well and have the respect of their peers. The player must have competed at high stakes and stood the test of time.
Usually, there is a top ten and then these individuals are reviewed by the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council. The existing members vote on who will be the final list of nominees to determine who will be inducted.
A ceremony was usually hosted at the same time as the final table of the WSOP Main Event. This may still take place but of course, it would be with protocols and safety measures in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We will stay tuned for any new details involving the Poker Hall of Fame. We expect new information will be provided shortly as the WSOP Main Event is set to begin and end next month.
