Patrik Antonius Inducted Into Poker Hall Of Fame

Legendary high-stakes poker pro Patrik Antonius has been named as the 2024 inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame, following a public nomination and vote by the 31 living members of the hall. He becomes the hall’s 63rd member overall.

“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.”

The 43-year-old was born in Helsinki, Finland, and was a promising tennis player and coach before an injury helped to turn his attention towards poker. Although he tried a few jobs, including waiting tables, door-to-door sales, and even modeling, nothing paid as much as poker.

Antonius was one of the early online poker crushers, playing the highest stakes available on every site he joined. As it turned out, his game translated to the live arena as well, and it wasn’t long before he was battling for chips with some of the most notable players in the world.

He would go on to become one of the biggest cash game winners both live and online, while also breaking several records for the largest pots played on various poker TV shows. Antonius also has nearly $23 million in live tournament earnings, which includes six seven-figure scores, European Poker Tour and Triton titles.

“It was unexpected at this young age, but I’m still young,” Antonius said. “The last 24-25 years with poker went pretty fast. I think I’m going to stick around for a long time. That’s my plan… to keep playing the highest tournaments and cash games. I’ve always had so much passion and love for the game.”

“This has really been one of the nicest things for me,” he continued. “I’ve always been a student of the game and always hoped that poker continues to get bigger and better. And just look at where we are now. It looks like poker has never been as good as it is now, we’re breaking records all over the world. It’s so nice that so many people have found poker and are passionate about poker. We can all do it together. Let’s keep growing the game.”

This was Antonius’ second chance at induction, having earned a nomination when he turned 40 in 2020. His photo will now be displayed in the Horseshoe’s Hall of Fame Poker Room. He is the Hall’s fifth European member.

According to the WSOP, Antonius just edged out ‘Miami’ John Cernuto and Isai Scheinberg for the honor. Other nominees included Bill Smith, Mike Matusow, Ted Forrest, Barny Boatman, Matt Savage, Josh Arieh, and Kathy Liebert.

Matusow remains the player with the most nominations without induction, with 10. He is followed by Savage with nine, and Forrest with seven.

“Happy for Patrik,” said Savage. “He meets all the requirements and has definitely stood the test of time, plus is a class act all the way.”

“What a journey it’s been for [Patrik]. I remember when times were so hard he was playing at the Bellagio in just a bath robe and slippers,” joked fellow nominee Boatman.

To be considered for the Poker Hall of Fame, a player must have played against acknowledged top competition, must be a minimum of 40 years old at the time of nomination, must have played for high stakes, consistently well, and stood the test of time. For non-players, the person must have contributed to the overall growth and success of the game, with indelible positive and lasting results.

The Hall has faced criticism in recent years for continuing to induct just one player per year, despite the game’s tremendous growth over the last two decades, as well as for a flawed voting system.