Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu aren’t happy with the current PHOF setup
Poker legends Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu are urging the Poker Hall of Fame to make an exception for Michael Mizrachi and induct him immediately, before the usual voting process resumes next June. With Mizrachi dominating the 2025 WSOP Main Event and potentially on the brink of one of the most historic victories in poker history, both Hall of Famers believe waiting would be a disservice to what they see as an unmatched resume.
Hellmuth recently posted a video on social media alongside Negreanu, where the two discussed Mizrachi’s career and his current run at the Main Event. Mizrachi, also known as “The Grinder,” is a seven-time WSOP bracelet winner, two-time WPT champion, and the only player in history to win the prestigious Poker Players Championship four times. He’s now attempting to add a WSOP Main Event title to his legacy—something no player has ever done in the same year as winning the PPC.
Grinder into Poker Hall of Fame!
If @TheGrinder44 wins @WSOP Main Event tomorrow, then he should go straight into Poker Hall of Fame! Every top poker player agrees w this! @RealKidPoker
No waiting, no voting: straight in! His fam and friends will already be there!#POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/mjvjiHU8qE
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 16, 2025
Negreanu emphasized that Mizrachi has long embodied the spirit of poker: someone who can enjoy the game without compromising his competitive edge. He called him “a legend and an icon,” adding that his fun, loose style has inspired players around the world. Hellmuth echoed that sentiment, arguing that Mizrachi’s consistent success across multiple formats already proves he’s Hall of Fame worthy.
Despite being eligible for the Hall since 2021 and making the list of finalists in past years, Mizrachi wasn’t nominated in 2025. This year’s induction went to Nick Schulman, a respected player and commentator. While that decision was widely supported, Mizrachi’s performance in the Main Event has reopened the conversation about the Hall’s strict one-inductee-per-year policy.
Currently holding a dominant chip lead with four players left, Mizrachi is guaranteed at least $3 million but has his eyes set on the $10 million prize. If he takes it down, the poker community—led by its most prominent voices—may push even harder to fast-track his Hall of Fame induction.
