News

Las Vegas, Nevada (June 24, 2026) - Today on the WSOP Countdown Show, eight finalists were named for the 2026 induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. One of, if not the highest honor in the poker industry, the eight finalists have earned a chance at poker immortality for their achievements on the felt, presence in the poker world, and their overwhelming impact on the game.

2026 Poker Hall of Fame Inductee Finalists

Shaun Deeb

Shaun Deeb is one of the most accomplished tournament poker players of the modern era. Hailing from New York State, Deeb first gained recognition through online poker before establishing himself as a dominant force on the live tournament circuit. Known for his relentless work ethic and exceptional skill across multiple poker variants, he has won eight World Series of Poker bracelets, two WSOP Circuit rings, and earned millions of dollars in tournament winnings. Deeb is one of the few poker players to capture the prestigious WSOP Player of the Year title twice (2018, 2025), a display of consistency and versatility that has made him one of poker’s most respected professionals.

Scott Seiver

Scott Seiver is widely regarded as one of the most talented poker players of his generation. A native of Ohio, Seiver emerged as a top tournament professional in the late 2000s and quickly built a reputation for excellence across a variety of poker formats. His accomplishments include seven World Series of Poker bracelets and numerous titles across the world’s most prestigious poker series, helping him accrue millions of dollars in live tournament earnings. Known for his strategic brilliance and adaptability, Seiver has excelled in both high-stakes cash games and tournaments, earning him his rightful spot on the 2026 Poker Hall of Fame finalist list.

Jason Koon

Jason Koon is one of the most successful and respected high-stakes poker players in the world. Hailing from West Virginia, Koon transitioned from a collegiate athlete to professional poker after discovering the game while attending college. Renowned for his analytical approach and discipline, he has amassed tens of millions of dollars in live tournament earnings, placing him among poker’s all-time money leaders. Koon has enjoyed tremendous success in high-roller events around the globe, including numerous Triton titles and two World Series of Poker bracelets. Regarded by many as the best poker tournament player in the world, Koon’s list of accolades and high regard make him a finalist for Poker Hall of Fame induction.

Isaac Haxton

When it comes to achievements in the high-stakes tournament scene, few players are as accomplished as Isaac Haxton. Originally from New York, Haxton displayed exceptional aptitude for mathematics and strategy from an early age before turning his focus to poker. He first gained widespread recognition with a runner-up finish in the 2007 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and has since become a fixture in the world’s biggest tournaments. Known for his analytical mindset and fearless style, Haxton has earned numerous titles, including major high-roller victories and a World Series of Poker bracelet victory in 2025. His consistency and success have made him one of the game's premier competitors.

Justin Bonomo

Justin Bonomo is one of the most successful tournament poker players in history. A native of Virginia, Bonomo first gained attention as a teenage online poker prodigy before transitioning to live tournaments. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated millions of dollars in earnings and spent significant time atop poker’s all-time money list. Renowned for his strategic depth and adaptability, Bonomo has captured numerous prestigious high-roller titles around the world, including three World Series of Poker bracelets. The crowning achievement of Bonomo’s WSOP career came in 2018, when he won the $1,000,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em The Big One for One Drop, awarding him with $10,000,000 and one of the biggest cash prizes in poker history. His sustained excellence against elite competition has earned him recognition as one of the greatest tournament players ever.

Mike Matusow

Nicknamed “The Mouth” for his famous, brash personality at the poker table, Mike Matusow was one of the most recognizable poker players in the world during the Poker Boom of the 2000’s. While Matusow’s table presence is legendary, his accomplishments on the felt have also earned him the honor of being a Poker Hall of Fame finalist. A four-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Matusow excelled in both tournaments and high-stakes cash games throughout his career. Known for his emotional style and competitive spirit, he remains one of poker’s most memorable and enduring personalities.

Chris Moorman

Chris Moorman is one of the most accomplished online poker players in history and a highly successful live tournament competitor. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Moorman built his reputation through extraordinary success in online tournaments, where he amassed millions of dollars in winnings and set numerous records. His achievements earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest online players of all time. Moorman later transitioned that success to the live arena, capturing a World Series of Poker bracelet and accumulating significant tournament earnings worldwide. Known for his work ethic and strategic expertise, he remains a respected figure in the poker community.

Isai Scheinberg

Isai Scheinberg is a pioneering figure in the poker industry whose impact extends far beyond the poker table. A former software engineer and entrepreneur, Scheinberg is best known as the founder of PokerStars, the online poker platform that helped transform the game into a global phenomenon. Under his leadership, PokerStars became the world's largest online poker site and played a central role in fueling the Poker Boom of the 2000s. His innovations expanded access to the game for millions of players worldwide. Scheinberg’s lasting influence has made him one of the most important figures in poker history.

Watch the 2026 WSOP Main Event to see who is inducted

The finalists inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame will be announced during the WSOP Main Event Final Table, which will be aired on ESPN.

With the revised induction process for the Poker Hall of Fame, surviving inductees will each be allocated up to four votes (one per inductee) and can submit a vote for up to four of the eight finalists.

Every inductee who receives at least a two-thirds vote from surviving members will join the 2026 Poker Hall of Fame class. If no member receives at least a two-thirds vote, whoever has the highest vote total will be the lone inductee for 2026.

Be sure to tune into the WSOP Main Event Final Table on ESPN August 3-5, 2026, to see not only who is inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, but who becomes the next world champion.