3 Minutes Read
Last month Daniel Negreanu (cover image) was one of the nominees for the Poker Hall of Fame, just after turning 40 on July 26, a stipulation required for the nomination.
A month after the nominee list was released; news has come in that the 20-member panel and 21 living Hall of Fame members had cast their votes and chosen Daniel Negreanu and respected tournament director Jack McClelland, as the 47th and 48th inductees into the Class of 2014, Poker Hall of Fame.
Ty Stewart governing council member Poker Hall of Fame stated, “Congratulations to the newest members of the Poker Hall of Fame. While a contrast in styles, there is a common thread between these two deserving nominees. Both live all in on poker and have devoted their full hearts to the game.”
63-year-old Jack McClelland said, “Being inducted into the Class of 2014 Poker Hall of Fame is a very exciting prospect and I am sure it will be a very humbling experience. I thank everyone involved in this process and to the WSOP, WPT and all of the great people I have met and the wonderful people I have worked with throughout the years. Thank you for bestowing this honor upon me. I am very grateful.”
The tournament director began his journey as dealer earning $18 a day, rising to become the tournament director for WSOP in the 1980`s and then handling Bellagio poker room from 2002 to 2013. He retired last year and has worked with names such as Eric Drache, Jack Binion and Bobby Baldwin, all existing members of the Poker Hall of Fame.
Negreanu accepted the accolade and said, “It’s an honor to be inducted alongside so many great players that have come before me. An even bigger honor to be recognized at age 40, the same age as the legend Chip Reese. Thank you to the living members of the Poker Hall of Fame and those on the Blue Ribbon Media Panel that voted for me.”
“Kid Poker” is one of the most popular players in the world and holds the distinction of being the only two-time WSOP Player of the Year. He has six WSOP gold bracelets, two World Poker Tour titles under his belt and sits high on the all time money list with almost $30 million in lifetime earnings.
Together, Negreanu and McClelland form the two parts of the poker industry. Negreanu represents the players, having tried every form of poker available. McClelland represents the administrative side, having held all possible positions in organizing the game.
While, Negreanu accepted the honor graciously, he did have grouses against the nomination process, when the nominee list had been announced last month.
The controversial player had spoken out on the blog, Full Contact Poker, criticizing the nomination process, saying, “The process for this appears to be a combination of a fan vote, with some additions where necessary.”
He felt that public vote alone was not correct and that the nomination process should consider expert opinion, with performance and not popularity as the benchmark. Negreanu also named players, who he felt deserved to be on the list, but had been overlooked.
Another pro, Erik Seidal came out strongly in Negreanu’s favor and reiterated his views, supporting the names of Gus Hansen, John Juanda, Carlos Mortensen and Bobby Hoff.
“Poker Brat” Phil Helmuth was next to chime in and agree with Negreanu and Seidal’s views.
Many industry experts agreed with Negreanu’s views to a certain extent. They felt that just two seats were too less, for an industry that was burgeoning.
A few also suggested that the Poker Hall of Fame could have a separate section, such as “Veterans” to honor accomplished players of vintage years.
Perhaps, the Poker Hall of Fame may be soon inculcating these changes in years to come.
Negreanu and McClelland will be inducted on Sunday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Binion’s Gambling Hall. The hall is the same, where Negreanu won his first WSOP bracelet and McClelland was tournament director.
Image Courtesy: Pokerpatriot.com