The Poker Hall of Fame will welcome in two new members this coming November when the World Series of Poker’s Main Event resumes. After a general fan ballot decided the ten potential inductees, a panel of poker industry journalists and the living members of the Hall of Fame made their picks. After the ballots were cast, iconic poker stars Scotty “The Price of Poker” Nguyen and Tom McEvoy were elected to join poker’s elite.
Poker Hall of Fame, Baby
Nguyen is easily the most recognizable name of the two and more accomplished at the tables. Upon hearing of his election, Nguyen tweeted, “I thank you for all of your love and support all of these years baby! HOF baby!!!!” and clearly was elated to learn that his fifth nomination resulted in cementing his name in poker immortality.
Scotty Nguyen is a fan favorite thanks to his outgoing personality and his trademark use of the word “baby” after every sentence. Winner of the 1998 World Series of Poker Main Event, his catchphrase “You call, it’s gonna be all over, baby” became a poker saying still repeated today at the tables. Nguyen has an impressive five WSOP bracelets on his resume, including the first ever $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship in 2008.
At the World Poker Tour, Nguyen has also enjoyed high-profile televised success. He’s been to eight final tables and won the WTP Season IV Title played in Tunica, MS. Over his entire career he has over $11.7 million in tournament winnings, good for 12th on the all-time list.
A Total Contributor
While not as accomplished at the tables, Tom McEvoy’s contributions to the game of poker cannot be understated. No slouch himself at the tables, he won the 1983 WSOP Championship and became the first player ever to play in via a satellite who later went on to win the Main Event. Prior to that win, he already had a bracelet, having won the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event and since that time, has won two more bracelets. His latest win at the WSOP came in 2009 at the 40th anniversary celebration of the WSOP and won the Champions’ Invitational event. In total, McEvoy has earned over $2.95 million in tournament winnings in his career.
While four bracelets is nothing to sneeze at, McEvoy was elected through his total contributions to the game of poker. Having authored 14 books on poker, all on a variety of games and subjects, McEvoy has been credited as being one of the great teachers of the game. He has also acted as an ambassador to the game and regularly participated in charity events.
Some Were Felted
There were some notable names that were not elected this year. Among those that might be making an appearance in the Hall of Fame next year include Humberto Brenes, Jennifer Harman, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, Carlos Mortensen and Huck Seed.
Ceremony
The ceremony will take place when the “November Nine” resume play for the $10,000 WSOP Main Event Championship, where the winner will take home a whopping $8,359,531 first place prize. Prior to the resuming of the Main Event, the new inductees will be introduced by an individual in the industry (historically Nolan Dalla has made an appearance) as well as deliver a speech of their own. The Hall of Fame ceremony and final table of the WSOP Main Event will take place on November 3, 2013.
