Could Chris Moneymaker Earn a Place in the 2018 WSOP Hall of Fame?

July 4th, 2018 | by Brian Corlisse

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Hall of Fame nominees for 2018 have been announced and this year the man who sparked the poker boom could be one of the inductees.

Could this be the year that Chris Moneymaker finally makes it into the WSOP Hall of Fame? (Image: PokerStars)

Following an opening voting process in June, ten players and industry insiders have been put forward for a place in the Hall of Fame. Among this year’s cohort is 2003 WSOP Main Event winner, Chris Moneymaker.

The Man Who Changed Poker

The 42-year-old pro made history when he won $2.5 million and the most coveted bracelet in poker after qualifying online for just $39. Since dubbed the Moneymaker Effect, the subsequent coverage of his victory inspired millions of people to play poker and, in the process, create the industry we know today.

Turning 40 in 2016, Moneymaker made the final list of nominees at the first time of asking. He was shortlisted again in 2017 but still couldn’t make it past the judging panel and into the elite club.

This year, the man who many believe helped change the industry stands as good a shot as any to make it in. Aside from being an ambassador for the game, Moneymaker has cashed for more than $3.7 million in live tournaments, including a $300,000 second place finish in the 2011 NBC Heads Up Championship.

Another All-Star Cast of Candidates

However, if it’s going to be third time lucky for Moneymaker, a panel of media members and current Hall of Famers will have to give him the nod over a selection of worthy opponents. Also making it onto the list of nominees this year are established pros Mike Matusow, David Oppenheim, John Hennigan, David Chiu, Huckleberry Seed and Chris Bjorin.

Alongside the players, prominent industry figures Matt Savage, Mori Eskandani and Bruno Fitoussi complete the final list of ten. The panel of 46 judges will now have until July 8 to select two candidates before a special induction ceremony takes place on July 13 during the WSOP Main Event.