The Poker Walk of Fame inducted its first members at the Commerce Casino in a ceremony before top pros and celebrities in town for the L.A. Poker Classic tournament.
The Walk of Fame is designed to honor 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 who are making the game appealing for a new generation of poker fans.
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 which 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 handsome young Danish-born Hansen is widely regarded to be the best poker player in the world. He burst onto the poker tour last year winning two major WPT tournaments and over $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 1957-60, 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, which has the world's largest poker room with more than 200 poker tables.
The WPT Poker Walk of Fame is embedded in the forecourt entrance to Commerce Casino. The inductees put their hands in concrete, surrounding a large depiction of a stylized poker chip. In addition, there's a unique depiction of each player's most famous poker hand.
