With the 40th Annual World Series of Poker starting, WSOP officials have begun their nomination process for the 2009 Poker Hall of Fame class.

The public, for the first time ever, has the opportunity to nominate inductees. Log on to http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/pokerhalloffame/halloffamevoting.asp and nominate away.

Each submission will allow for a nominee name as well as up to 250 words supporting that nominee’s worthiness.

During the Main Event of the WSOP, Harrah’s will announce the Top Ten list of nominees by the public. These ten names become the players among consideration for induction in 2009.

In August, the Hall of Fame committee will then spend the month reviewing the public’s nominations and determine if any others should be added (such as non-poker players who have contributed greatly to the game, any glaring omissions, etc.) and determine the final list.

In September, a finalist ballot will be sent to the current Hall of Famers (16 living) who will each rank the nominees in order of preference – yet only ranking those they deem worthy of admission in 2009. Each Hall of Famer will also have the ability to add a write-in candidate, whom won’t be eligible for admission in 2009, but will automatically be added to the consideration list for 2010.

In addition, a select group of media members (not to exceed the number of HOF voting members) will also be sent a ballot for ranking the finalists. All votes will be cast in private, with each HOF and media member entitled to keep their vote secret but not obligated to.

After receiving back all ballots, the HOF committee reviews the selections and helps finalize any tiebreakers or errors.

Any finalist receiving 75% or more of the votes will be inducted during the enshrinement ceremony at the Final Table of Main Event in November.

The main criteria for the Poker Hall of Fame are as follows:
A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
Played for high stakes
Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
Stood the test of time
Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results.

Maybe we should have a local hall of fame. Nominees?