Final 10 nominees for the Poker Hall of Fame announced

The fans have spoken, and after over a month of online voting the nominees for the 2009 Poker Hall of Fame have been released. The list consists of the top 10 players as voted by the public, and the inductees will now be voted on by current Hall of Fame members and a select panel of media (although the panel can elect to vote for any player they wish). Harrah’s did not state who the top vote getters were.

The list includes an interesting mix of old and young players -from the 22 year old Dwan to the 65 year old Tom McEvoy– that highlights the many facets of poker. The election committee definitely has their work cut out for them:

Phil Ivey - Pros: 7-time WSOP bracelet winner, and considered the best player in the world… Enough said! Cons: the only negative for Ivey is his age. Voters may overlook the younger Ivey in order to elect one of the older players. Either way, Ivey is a Hall of Fame shoe-in in the next few years.

Mike Sexton - Pros: Aside from his poker accomplishments, Sexton is very active in poker; from being the voice of the WPT, a spokesman, and a long-time writer. Cons: Sexton’s accomplishments on the felt do not stack up to some of the other finalists, although he is one of the most recognizable figures in poker.

Tom McEvoy - Pros: McEvoy was the 1983 Main Event Champion (and the first player to win via satellite) and wrote the seminal tournament poker book of his time. The 4-time bracelet winner has also been a long-time columnist. Cons: McEvoy has had little recent success, although his recent win in the Tournament of Champions Invitational helped bring his name back to the forefront.

Daniel Negreanu - Pros: one of the best players in the world, and pokers leading spokesman. Cons: Like Ivey, the only con for Negreanu is his age. Negreanu is another can’t-miss Hall of famer; it just might not be this year.

Tom “durrrr” Dwan - Pros: Dwan revolutionized the world of online poker, and is one of the most feared players in the poker world. Cons: If Ivey and Negreanu have age issues, the 22 year old Dwan is in a lot of trouble! Dwan also hasn’t proven his skills in the long-term; definitely the long-shot in this field.

Men “The Master” Nguyen - Pros: Considered one of the best tournament players of all time, Nguyen is high up on the all-time money, bracelets, and cash lists. Cons: Nguyen is definitely a one-trick pony and does not have the well rounded resume of the other players on the list. Nguyen has also faced a few accusations of collusion over the years.

Scotty Nguyen - Pros: Scotty is one of the most accomplished tournament players of all time, and will likely end his career in the top three of total earnings. Scotty has also won just about every major title. Cons: Unfortunately, Scotty’s play can sometimes be overshadowed by his behavior, and this may keep him from entering the Hall at this time.

Barry Greenstein - Pros: Greenstein is one of the most anonymous top players, and is a threat in cash games and tournaments. Greenstein donates all of his tournament winnings to charity, and is a true gentleman at the tables. Cons; His Anonymity; Greenstein’s demeanor may work against him in his Hall of fame bid.

Dan Harrington - Harrington is the only shoe-in in my opinion. The Main Event Champion (and 2-time final tableist) has the poker credentials; and also wrote what is considered the best tournament poker ever. Harrington always conducts himself as gentleman at the tables, and is a true poker ambassador. Cons: Harrington’s only negative is that he is not known as a cash game player.

Erik Seidel - Pros: The 8-time bracelet winner has been a mainstay on the poker scene since the 1980’s. Seidel is the consummate pro, and one of the original members of Full Tilt Poker. Cons: Seidel is perhaps best known for losing to Johnny Chan in the 1988 WSOP Main Event.

Players must receive 75% of the vote to be elected, and the committee members can vote for as many players as they like. If history is any indicator, one or two of the finalists will be elected to the Hall of Fame, although there are many deserving names on this year’s list.