Whose name will be immortalised in 2026? The prime contenders for the Poker Hall of Fame

Induction into the Poker Hall of Fame is the ultimate validation of a player's achievements by the poker community, cementing their name in the history of card gaming. The Class of 2026 induction promises to be one of the most compelling in a decade. A whole generation of legends from the poker boom era have reached eligibility, setting up intense competition for the coveted spots.

A quick look at the new voting rules

Ahead of 2026, the World Series of Poker organisers have once again overhauled the voting process. The core criteria remain unchanged: standing the test of time, playing consistently well against top competition, playing for high stakes, and gaining the respect of peers. Plus, the pivotal rule: the nominee must be at least 40 years old at the time of nomination. 

However, the voting system has received significant updates. While the last few years saw only a single player inducted annually, now each of the 33 living Hall of Fame members will receive four votes. To gain induction, a candidate from the final shortlist of eight nominees must secure at least 22 votes. Under this system, the elite club can welcome multiple players each year, theoretically up to six, ensuring timely recognition for those who have truly stood the test of time at the highest stakes.

The front-runners for Hall of Fame induction

Shaun Deeb

Photo: Jess Beck

Turning 40 in 2026 made Shaun Deeb eligible for nomination under the Hall of Fame rules. The American boasts 9 WSOP gold bracelets and twice secured the World Series Player of the Year title (2018, 2025). Renowned as a highly versatile player who delivers consistent results across both No-Limit Hold'em and mixed limit games, his impact on the modern game is undeniable.

Justin Bonomo

Photo: Jamie Thonson

Justin Bonomo joins the 2026 nominees list as a three-time WSOP gold bracelet winner. The defining moment of his career came in 2018, when the American set a stunning record by earning approximately $25 million in a single calendar year. The pinnacle of this run was his victory in the $1,000,000 buy-in charitable high roller tournament, The Big One for One Drop, which netted him a $10,000,000 first-prize. That victory propelled Bonomo past Daniel Negreanu to claim the top spot on the All-Time Money List, a position Negreanu had held for almost a decade. As of his 2026 nomination, Justin Bonomo sits fourth on the all-time list with over $65.6 million in career tournament earnings. 

Isaac Haxton 

Photo: Omar Sader

Isaac Haxton makes his debut on the Hall of Fame shortlist in 2026. At the time of nomination, the American sits seventh on the All-Time Money List with over $65.3 million in live tournament winnings. In 2023, he captured his first WSOP gold bracelet in the $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em, and in September 2025, he secured his first Triton Poker title in the $100,000 PLO Main Event for $2,789,000. Additionally, Haxton has two Super High Roller Bowl victories to his name in the exclusive $300,000 buy-in events, including a career-best score of $3.67 million for his first-place finish in 2018.

Jason Koon

Photo: Manuel Kovsca
Also joining the shortlist for the first time after turning 40 is Jason Koon. Koon holds a WSOP gold bracelet won in the 2021 $25,000 Heads-Up Championship, and his career-best cash remains a $3.57 million payout for winning the Triton Poker Main Event in 2018. Holding the industry record with ten Triton Poker titles, Koon also serves as a key representative on the Poker Integrity Council, governing fair play in high-stakes poker.

Chris Moorman

Photo: Danny Maxwell

Moorman stands as the most successful player in online poker history, with over $24.3 million in lifetime earnings. The British pro has two WSOP gold bracelets, a WPT champion title, and a record 30 online