The popular poker player and six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Brian Rast has been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. The world-famous acknowledgement of greatness in the poker industry has come under a little criticism this summer, with Rast the sole inductee into the HOF in a year where many industry favorites and poker legends were nominated.
Rast the Popular Choice for Member Ballots
“BRIAN RAST IS ONE OF THE BEST POKER PLAYERS WE’VE EVER SEEN.”
While there are many poker fans who have taken issue with this year’s HOF announcement of just one inductee, virtually no-one disagrees with the members vote that Brian Rast has entered the hallowed territory of the Hall of Fame. Rast’s six WSOP bracelet and consistent greatness in both tournaments and cash games is legendary and when he won this year’s Poker Players Championship before the ballots were handed in from the 31 living members of the HOF, the writing was on the wall for his induction.
Announcing Rast’s induction, WSOP Vice President Jack Effel said:
“With a nearly 20-year-long career riddled with record-breaking wins and historic runs, Brian Rast is one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen. With the 2023 WSOP breaking records left and right, it only makes sense to put a record-setter himself amongst some of the greatest of all time. We are honored to induct Brian Rast into the Poker Hall of Fame and look forward to his successes to come.”
As well as Rast’s induction, the WSOP also announced that the HOF Poker Room is now open.
“Poker is at the very heart of the Horseshoe brand,” Jason Gregorec, SVP and General Manager of Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas announced. “We’re thrilled to have the Hall of Fame Poker Room open as a year-round attraction for players and fans alike. The action won’t stop when the 2023 WSOP ends. Congratulations to Brian Rast for taking his rightful place here alongside the other legends of the game.”
Latest Inductee Joins Exclusive Club in Style
“I THINK I’VE DONE ENOUGH IN MY CAREER.”
The Poker Hall of Fame, which has been in operation since 1979, now has 32 living members with Rast’s addition to the group. In total, 59 people have been inducted to the Poker Hall of Fame, but in recent years, the game has lost greats such as Doyle Brunson and Mike Sexton from that number who have sadly passed on.
The HOF might be virtual by nature, but with poker riding on the crest of a wave in recent times thanks in no small part to the incredible numbers that events such as the WPT World Championship and World Series of Poker have posted, its more important than ever. Rast’s inclusion was virtually inarguable, but equally strong cases could be made for Josh Arieh – who also won his sixth WSOP bracelet this summer, albeit after the voting closed – and industry legends such as Matt Savage, and the WSOP commentary duo Lon McEachern and Norman Chad.
With Rast appearing at the Poker Hall of Fame Poker Room on Thursday, fans were treated to new exhibits being opened, such as the ‘Gallery of Champions’, which depicts poker’s biggest legends and includes some WSOP bracelets and Circuit rings on display.
Two years ago, Rast declared his intentions, saying: “The number one thing at this point is… making the Poker Hall of Fame. I think I’ve done enough in my career.”
The 44-year-old saw his hopes fulfilled as the Poker Hall of Fame members agreed with him. In the coming years, big names cross the 40-plus age barrier to entry, such as Jason Mercier and Shaun Deeb. It will get harder and harder to be admitted to the Poker HOF for players in a game now so much bigger than when it began.
Should the Hall of Fame Admit More Legends?
A sole inductee at this stage of the Poker Hall of Fame seems nonsensical to some. Recent feedback in the industry and on social media suggests the vast majority of poker experts and fans believe one inductee is too few in the modern era.
The HOF may have 59 members, but 27 of those have passed on and if the next generation of players is to be inspired, it might be argued that a lower age limit and two inductees would be a good standard to move to in future years.
Scores of players who have glorious pasts and relevant presents have already missed out on induction, and with players such as Tom Dwan, Justin Bonomo, Isaac Haxton and David Peters all approaching the age where they would consider themselves unlucky not to be considered, players and industry legends such as those we’ve already mentioned, along with ‘old school’ stars like Mike ‘The Mouth’ Matusow could easily be forgotten.
The new Poker Hall of Fame inductee Brian Rast is to be congratulated on achieving his dream. Here’s to more poker legends than in recent years joining him very soon.
This article originally appeared on PokerStake.com
