Poker Hall of Fame

Introduction

In 2025, the Poker Hall of Fame welcomed a deserving addition to its elite club: Patrik Antonius. His induction honours a career filled with big winnings and a global reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the game.

This article will give you all the information about the 2025 inductee and the finalists.

2025 Poker Hall of Fame Inductee

A Finnish poker icon, Patrik Antonius has achieved greatness in live tournaments, online poker, and high-stakes cash games. A former tennis player and model, he made his poker debut in the early 2000s.

Achievements

European Poker Tour (EPT)

• EPT Barcelona (2005): Finished 3rd, marking his first major result on the circuit.
• EPT Baden (2005): Won the title and €288,180, defeating Gunnar Stebrd in an intense heads-up battle.
• EPT Monte Carlo (2024): Captured the €100,000 Super High Roller title, earning €1,967,440.

World Poker Tour (WPT)

• WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic (2005): Finished as runner-up, taking home $1,046,470. 
• Total WPT Money Finishes: Seven, with one final table appearance.

World Series of Poker (WSOP)

• Bracelets: None (yet)
• Final Tables: 3
• Money Finishes: 27
• 2023 Main Event: Finished 587th in the largest poker tournament of the year.
• $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. (2006): Finished 9th for $205,920.
• Pot Limit Omaha World Championship (2007): Secured 3rd place, earning $311,394.

Triton Poker Series

• $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em (2022): Won the event for $825,000.
• $200,000 NLH Invitational (2024): Claimed the title and a massive $5,130,000 after defeating Vladimir Korzinin.

Other Major Cash

• Aussie Millions Main Event (2013): Finished 3rd for $600,000.
• Super High Roller Bowl Macau (2018): Achieved his largest live tournament cash, $3,153,551, after finishing as runner-up.

Online and Live Cash Games

• Online Poker: In 2009, Antonius won the largest online poker pot in history, totalling $1,356,946, against Viktor Blom (Isildur1).
• PokerGO's No Gamble, No Future (2023): Won the largest pot in U.S. poker streaming history, worth $1,978,000, in a legendary hand against Eric Persson.

High Stakes Poker

Antonius was a regular on High Stakes Poker seasons 3–6, where he participated in some of the show’s most memorable pots:

1. $998,800 Pot Against Sammy Farha: Won three out of four runs with top pair against Farha's flush draw.
2. $743,800 Pot Against Jamie Gold: Secured a straight against Gold’s set of Kings.
3. $600,000 Pot Against Tom Dwan: Lost in a dramatic hand where Dwan hit a set of Kings on the turn.

Antonius has consistently excelled in live cash games, especially in Bellagio's Big Game, where he competes against poker's elite.

Poker Hall of Fame 2024 Finalists

The Poker Hall of Fame finalists represented diverse players and contributors, each deserving of the accolade. Here are the top three finalists.

• Mike Matusow

Mike Matusow first learned Texas Hold 'em in 1989 from a rounder named Steve Samaroff. By the time he was 18, he had already started playing video poker at the Maxim Casino. His perseverance and growing love for poker eventually led to his professional career.

Achievements

• In 1999, Matusow secured his first WSOP bracelet in the $3,500 No Limit Hold'em event by defeating Alex Brenes heads-up and winning $265,475.
• In 2002, he claimed his second bracelet by triumphing in the $5,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split 8 or Better event, securing the victory against Daniel Negreanu and winning $148,520.
• In 2005, Matusow secured a 9th place finish in the WSOP Main Event and earned $1,000,000. Later that year, he claimed victory at the WSOP Tournament of Champions by defeating Hoyt Corkins in heads-up play for an additional $1,000,000 prize. This accomplishment made him the first player to win two separate $1 million prizes within the same year.
• In 2008, he claimed his third bracelet by winning the $5,000 No Limit 2-7 Draw with Rebuys event, beating Jeff Lisandro in a head-to-head match for a prize of $537,862.
• In 2013, Matusow won his fourth bracelet in the $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better event by defeating Matthew Ashton and earning $266,503.

World Poker Tour (WPT) and Other Poker Events

• Matusow debuted at a WPT final table in 2004 during the UltimateBet Aruba Classic, finishing in third place and winning $250,000.
• In 2006, he secured a second-place finish at the WPT Bad Boys of Poker II, where Tony G emerged victorious.
• Matusow finished at first position in the 2006 Poker Superstars III, earning a prize of $500,000.

In 2007, he secured $671,320 for finishing second at the WPT Bellagio Cup III Championship after being defeated by online professional Kevin Saul in a heads-up match.

• In 2013, Matusow won the NBC National Heads-Up Championship by defeating Phil Hellmuth with a score of 2-1 in the final match.



• Ted Forrest

Ted Forrest is known for his versatility and excellence in mixed games. His poker career is marked by numerous prestigious victories and big cashes, particularly at the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Achievements

• 1993 WSOP: Forrest won three WSOP bracelets in a single year (1993).

• $1,500 Seven Card Razz: Forrest won this event, earning $78,400.
• $1,500 Omaha 8 or Better: He secured his second victory of the year in this event, taking home $120,000.
• $5,000 Seven Card Stud: His third bracelet of 1993 came in Seven Card Stud, for a prize of $114,000.

• 2004 WSOP: After focusing primarily on cash games for much of the 1990s, Forrest returned to tournament poker in 2004, winning two more WSOP bracelets:

• $1,500 Seven Card Stud: He won this event for $111,440.
• $1,500 No Limit Hold'em: Forrest claimed another bracelet and $300,300 in prize money.

• 2014 WSOP Razz Event: Forrest won his sixth WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 Seven Card Razz event, where he defeated a field of strong players and earned $121,196. In this event, he defeated Phil Hellmuth at the final table.

Other Major Tournament Successes

• In 2006, Ted Forrest secured a major title by winning the renowned National Heads-Up Poker Championship, which awarded him $500,000.
• Forrest emerged victorious in the World Poker Tour's Bay 101 Shooting Stars Tournament 2007, overcoming a competitive field. His success followed an extended heads-up match against J J Liu, earning him a top prize of $1,100,000.
• Forrest's multiple appearances at WPT final tables (reaching a total of five final tables) showcase his exceptional skill in high-stakes tournaments.
• With over 30 cashes at the World Series of Poker, Forrest has accumulated over $1.9 million in earnings from the series alone.

• Matt Savage

Matt Savage is a highly influential figure in the world of Poker. While he is not a professional player, his impact on the industry and his contributions to tournament management have earned him widespread recognition.

Achievements

Savage's career as a Tournament Director (TD) spans several decades. It includes overseeing the following prestigious poker events:

• World Poker Tour: Savage is best known for his work with the WPT, where he served as the Executive Tour Director from 2002 to 2019. 
• World Series of Poker: Between 2002 and 2004, Savage worked as a TD at the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
• Other Major Events: Savage has also been involved in organizing and overseeing other major poker events, such as:

• Ultimate Poker Challenge
• Poker Dome Challenge
• King of Vegas

In addition to overseeing poker tournaments, Savage has worked with major networks like Fox News, FSN, Travel Channel, NBC, and ESPN.

Founding the Tournament Directors Association (TDA)

In 2001, Savage, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and David Lamb co-founded the Tournament Directors Association (TDA), which was established to create standardized rules for poker tournaments worldwide. 

Recognition and Honors

Savage’s contributions to poker management have earned him multiple accolades:

• Inducted into the Poker Room Manager's Hall of Fame (2003): As the inaugural inductee, he was honoured for contributing to poker room management and tournament operations.
• Poker Hall of Fame Nominations: Despite not being a professional player, Savage has been nominated multiple times for the Poker Hall of Fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Poker Hall of Fame?

The Poker Hall of Fame is a distinguished institution that recognizes poker players and contributors who have greatly impacted the game. Those inducted are selected for their accomplishments, influence, and dedication to poker throughout their careers.

Who is Patrik Antonius?

Patrik Antonius, a legendary Finnish poker player, is renowned for his achievements in live tournaments, online games, and high-stakes cash competitions.

Why was Patrik Antonius inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2024?

Antonius was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the poker community. His induction celebrates his career accomplishments and worldwide impact on the game.

Conclusion

The Poker Hall of Fame is more than just a list of names. It is a tribute to the individuals who have shaped Poker into a global phenomenon. By honouring the legends of the past and celebrating the icons of today, the Hall of Fame continues to inspire future generations of poker enthusiasts and professionals.