The two newest members of the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame were preferred over big names like Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu.
The WSOP Hall of Fame announced its two newest members for the 2010 season this week as Erik Seidel and Dan Harrington joined the likes of Johnny Moss, Wild Bill Hitchcock, Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth and Mike Sexton, who was the only one to join the honorable institute last year.
The WSOP Poker Hall of Fame was set up in 1979 by Benny Binion who was owner of the Horseshoe Casino. It intended to highlight the achievements of those poker players who have gone on to have a momentous impact on the game of poker itself.
Erik Seidel reacted to the news in a very humbling manner, as expected from the man touted as the 'gentleman of poker'. He was first to heap praise onto his fellow inductee Dan Harrington, relating to how they are great friends and what an honor it is to join the Poker Hall of Fame with his great friend. Seidel's first major event was the 1988 World Series of Poker Main Event where he finished runner up to legendary player Johnny Chan. He went on to win eight WSOP gold bracelets that span almost two decades and he also has a winnings total that exceeds $10 million.
Dan Harrington has had an equally prolific career in the game. His earnings tally over $6 million. He won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1995 and has made the final table a record four times. He is renowned for writing the most influential poker book of modern times called Harrington on Hold'em and amazingly he is only considered a part time player with his array of other businesses and ventures taking up his time.
It was felt that both men fit the criteria required for entry into the WSOP Hall of Fame which includes:
- Played against top quality opposition.
- Stood the test of time across the decades.
- Gained the respect of their fellow professionals.
- Played for high stakes.
- Had an influence on poker in many other areas, asides from playing.
It was felt that compared to their fellow nominees, who included Chris Ferguson, Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu, Seidel and Harrington best matched the requirements needed to enter the Hall of Fame.
No-one can doubt the prestige of both individuals and the other nominees who failed to get in this time around have time on their side to make it. Both Seidel and Harrington have been so innovative within the poker domain and their influence is still felt around the game decades after they first delighted the tables with their presence. One phrase can only spring to mind... 'it's about time'.
