Barry Greenstein, Linda Johnson Voted into Poker Hall of Fame

Barry Greenstein and Linda Johnson were voted into the WSOP’s Poker Hall of Fame, adding their illustrious names to the 40 players currently enshrined. The two will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on November 8^th, before the final three players play down to a winner in the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Barry Greenstein was perhaps the no-brainer pick of the year, with most observers expecting Greenstein to make it into the Poker Hall of Fame on this ballot. Greenstein has won over $7.5 million in his tournament poker career, including three World Series of Poker bracelets and two titles on the World Poker Tour. He has also been a constant face in the world’s biggest cash games.

However, Greenstein may be best known for his title as the “Robin Hood of Poker.” Throughout his career, Greenstein has made a point of donating much of his tournament winnings to charity, with over $3 million in total having been donated to various charities over the years.

Linda Johnson didn’t have the level of success of Greenstein at the poker table, though she did win a bracelet in 1997 in a Razz tournament. This made her one of just 15 female players in the history of the WSOP to win an open tournament.

Instead, Johnson’s biggest contributions to the world of poker came away from the felt. Johnson, who is known as the “First Lady of Poker,” has been heavily involved in the organization and promotion of poker throughout her career. She wrote three poker books, founded Card Player Magazine, and helped establish the World Poker Tour. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Poker Players Alliance and the Ladies International Poker Series.

"I feel lucky to have been involved in many facets of poker over the past 35 years," Johnson said. "Being recognized by the industry is a tremendous honor."

The Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979. There are now 20 living members of the hall of fame, which does not (at this time) have a physical location, but an induction ceremony takes place each year concurrently with the final table of the WSOP Main Event in November.