Nick Schulman Inducted into WSOP Poker Hall of Fame

Yesterday evening saw poker pro and commentator Nick Schulman announced as the 64^th inductee of the Poker Hall of Fame during the $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No-Limit Hold’em.

The 40-year-old originally from Manhattan in New York only qualified for the shortlist of nominees for the first time this year.

Now his picture will grace the walls of the Las Vegas Horseshoe’s WSOP Hall of Fame Poker Room, along side the  likes of Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Johnny Moss, and Phil Hellmuth.

Schulman faced tough competition in this year’s ballot, up against Jeremy Ausmus, “Miami” John Cernuto, Ted Forrest, Kathy Liebert, Mike Matusow, Matt Savage, and Isai Scheinberg, as well as fellow “just turned 40” colleagues, Scott Seiver and Phil Galfond.

That age barrier is the first hurdle in the criteria for all HoF hopefuls, Schulman and the others having to meet several requirements:

Poker Hall of Fame Criteria:

– Age of Experience: at least 40 years of age at the time of nomination.
– High Stakes Experience: Having played and proven themselves at the high stakes.
– Respected by Peers: Held in high regard by fellow poker players and having faced acknowledged top competition at the poker table.
– Consistent Excellence: Played consistently well, earning the respect of peers.
– Legacy That Lasts: Withstanding the test of time and achieving longevity in poker.
– Shaping the Game: For non-players, contributing to the game of poker in a way that has resulted in lasting, positive results.

Schulman also passed the other tests with flying colours, cementing his status earlier this month by winning his seventh WSOP gold bracelet in the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship.

As the WSOP themselves pointed out in their press release, “Schulman is also a regular crusher in some of the highest stakes cash games on the Las Vegas Strip.”

They added: “Along with over $10 million in WSOP winnings, Schuman’s $24.1 million in career tournament earnings make him one of the most successful poker tournament players in history.”

“Owning a table presence and aura rivaled only by his skills at the poker table, Schulman’s commentary work and high standing in the poker community reflect his celebrated induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.”

On receiving his award last night, Schulman —who turned pro at just 19 years of age — gave a short speech:

“I want to thank my parents. Thanks for always believing in me and, you know, not everybody has that.”

He then thanked his “beautiful wife, Jess,” who he described as “such an inspiration…you really make me better,” and then his “adorable smart and sweet daughter, who I love so much.”

Schulman stated he “loved being part of these events and memories” and finished off with a “shuffle up and deal!” for the event commemorating the year it all started, back in 1979.

With a career that spans over 20 years, and includes seven WSOP gold bracelets, over $24,000,000 in tournament earnings, and a prolific career in poker commentary, @NickSchulman is the newest inductee of the Poker Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/5XXhR82448

— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) July 12, 2025

That year, 1979, saw the seven original inductees — Nick “The Greek” Dandolos, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock, Edmond Hoyle, Felton McCorquodale, Johnny Moss, Red Winn, Sid Wyman.

The intervening 46 years has seen another 57 additions of poker’s best, brightest and most worthy.

The full list of Poker Hall of Fame inductees reads:

For more information on the Poker Hall of Fame, visit http://www.wsop.com/pokerhalloffame/

Andrew Burnett

Professional Poker Journalist

An avid poker player, he dreams of one day playing the WSOP Main Event and has promised himself he will fold aces and kings if he gets them on the first hand to avoid front-page headlines. [more]