World Poker Tour Unveils WPT Poker Walk of Fame at Commerce Casino

First there was the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and then the Rock Walk of Fame. A new tribute recently took its place alongside those renowned celebrations of achievement: the World Poker Tour Poker Walk of Fame at Commerce Casino in Commerce, California.

The WPT Poker Walk of Fame inducted its first members at Commerce Casino in a ceremony before top pros and celebrities at the L.A. Poker Classic tournament. It honors the men and women who have played the game at its highest level; contributed to its evolution and popularity; celebrated poker in film, television, and literature; and are making the game appealing for a new generation of poker fan.

The first honorees were:

. Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson – A holder of nine world championship titles, Brunson, in his 70s, is one of the most respected players in the game. He authored Super/System: How I Made Over $1,000,000 Playing Poker , a book that serves as the bible for aspiring pros and amateurs alike. For more than five decades, Brunson has been a feared competitor and consummate gentleman, establishing the standard of excellence to which many aspired and few achieved. His latest achievement was appearing at the final table in last year's WPT Championship .

. Gus "The Great Dane" Hansen – The young Danish-born Hansen is widely regarded as one of the best poker players in the world. He burst onto the poker tour last year, winning two major WPT tournaments and more than $1 million in the WPT's inaugural year. Steely and hard to read, he is known for his unpredictable play and willingness to take huge risks. He represents the future of the game of poker.

. James Garner – From 1957 to 1960, Garner charmed the nation as the unflappable Brett Maverick, the skilled poker player who used his wits to get him out of scrapes – with the law and with outlaws. Cool, good-natured, and likeable, he was one of television's first engaging Western heroes. Maverick became synonymous with poker, and certainly helped to popularize the game.

The induction ceremony was staged on the doorstep of Commerce Casino, a prestigious gaming establishment and full-service entertainment/hotel complex. Commerce Casino is the world's largest poker room, with more than 200 poker tables spreading all variations of poker at all limits. It has a rich history of poker in Southern California dating back to 1983.

The WPT Poker Walk of Fame is embedded in the forecourt entrance to Commerce Casino. The inductees put their hands in concrete that surrounds a large depiction of a stylized poker chip. In addition, there is a unique depiction of each player's most famous poker hand. The company responsible for the Mann's Chinese Theatre forecourt, Sabor Construction, also made the gold-embossed designations for the WPT Poker Walk of Fame .

James Garner noted, laughing: "I never was invited to put my hands in concrete at Grauman's Chinese, but I made it in front of Commerce Casino."

Steve Lipscomb, WPT founder and CEO, remarked, "The World Poker Tour is bringing millions of new fans to the game of poker. It is important that we – as caretakers of the poker tradition – preserve the history of the game and pay tribute to those who are creating its new history. We need to recognize those players and individuals who are contributing to the game's storied past and ensuring its continuity as The Great American card game."

The WPT Poker Walk of Fame is expected to become a significant new tourist destination. "With the huge resurgence of poker today by players and television viewers, we anticipate playing host to thousands of enthusiasts who want to venerate their favorite players and appreciate their achievements by strolling the World Poker Tour Poker Walk of Fame ," commented Commerce Casino's Casino Manager Tim Gustin.

These pros and other great poker players can be seen on the World Poker Tour , airing on the Travel Channel on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT.