PokerOrg’s Craig Tapscott and Mike Patrick asked some of the game’s biggest stars for their unofficial ballots, and the answers did not disappoint.
Esther 'ETay’ Taylor is firmly on Team Shaun Deeb, calling him “one of the best tournament players in the world” and giving a nod to JJ Liu as her sleeper.
Bryn Kenney, meanwhile, sees Jason Koon as the favorite for induction with Deeb as his backup. Brian Rast, inducted last year, is staying tight-lipped, while Norman Chad admits he’s got no clue this time around.
Public nominations for the 2026 shortlist are open, so if you’ve got a favorite, now’s the time to speak up.
PokerStrategy’s Barry Carter reports that the Poker Hall of Fame is once again asking fans for their nominations for the 2026 inductee. You have until June 20 to nominate your favorite, but as Carter points out, there is only one spot open, despite calls to induct more than one player per year.
This year, Shaun Deeb is the clear frontrunner according to the article. He has eight bracelets and two WSOP Player of the Year titles, not to mention leading the current Player of the Year race. Carter notes, “Like almost anything where Shaun Deeb is concerned, you simply would not bet against him.”
Still, the process remains the same: nominations, a shortlist, then the final vote by Hall of Fame members. Unless the rules change, only one will get in. So if you have a dark horse in mind, you might want to start campaigning now.