Patrik Antonius is inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame


The 43-year-old Finland all-time money leader becomes the 5th European to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

As is tradition, just before the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event was formed, we had the annual inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame. 

This year it was an undeniable addition, as Finnish high-stakes star Patrik Antonius was inducted. 

“In the modern era of poker, few have been as bold and fearless as Patrik Antonius,” said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of the World Series of Poker. “A force both online and live, we’re thrilled to see Patrik’s high-stakes career acknowledged by legends who have added the first international player to the Poker Hall of Fame in a number of years.”

Antonius is one of the few players who has consistently crushed every format of the game. Whether it is live or online, tournament or cash game, he is always one of the most feared players at the table. His live MTT winnings stand at $22,995,774 and amongst his cash accolades, he has the biggest televised US pot ($1,978,000) and several of the top ten online pots. 

Antonius is the 63rd inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame and the 5th European to be inducted. 

Hall of Fame Criteria

hall of fame
The Poker Hall of Fame

The criteria, as always, are as follows:

  • A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
  • Played for high stakes
  • Be a minimum of 40 years old at the time of nomination
  • 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

Antonius beat off competition from Josh Arieh, Ted Forrest, Kathy Liebert, Mike Matusow, Barny Boatman, John Cernuto, Matt Savage, Isai Scheinberg, and Bill Smith this year to be inducted. 

Who should get it next year? Let us know in the comments: