Brian Rast has now officially etched his name in poker history as one of the greats, as the World Series of Poker announced Rast as the 2023 Poker Hall of Fame inductee.
Rast’s poker journey has been nothing short of exceptional, from numerous high-stakes victories that culminated in a staggering $25,258,945 in live tournament winnings, to his extraordinary performance at the WSOP, including this year’s triumph in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship – arguably the series' second most significant event – which by all means sealed his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.
“With a nearly 20-year-long career riddled with record-breaking wins and historic runs, Brian Rast is one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen” - WSOP Vice President Jack Effel pic.twitter.com/lVY2Si04IX
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) July 13, 2023
“With a nearly 20-year-long career riddled with record-breaking wins and historic runs, Brian Rast is one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen,” said WSOP Vice President Jack Effel. “With the 2023 WSOP breaking records left and right, it only makes sense to put a record-setter himself amongst some of the greatest of all time. We are honored to induct Brian Rast into the Poker Hall of Fame and look forward to his successes to come.”
In his acceptance speech, Rast showed gratitude towards his family, friends, and the poker community, acknowledging the support and faith they placed in him throughout his journey. Now, as a Hall of Famer, Rast pledged to use his newfound status to advocate for the recognition of other deserving individuals in the poker world.
Brian Rast winning his sixth WSOP bracelet in 2023Rast's 2023 WSOP run added to his growing list of accolades. Not only did he become the 19th person in WSOP history to win a sixth bracelet, but he also became the only player to have won the $50,000 Poker Players Championship event three times. Consistency has also set him apart from the rest, with seven consecutive years of cashing more than $1 million in tournaments.
Established in 1979, the Poker Hall of Fame serves as an institution honoring the accomplishments and contributions of the world's most influential poker players and other contributors to the game. Over the years, it has grown into an illustrious group that, with the inclusion of Brian Rast in 2023, now boasts 62 members.
Brian Rast's six WSOP bracelet wins:
| Year | WSOP Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $1,500 Pot Limit Hold'em | $227,232 |
| 2011 | $50,000 The Poker Players Championship - 8 Game | $1,720,328 |
| 2016 | $50,000 Poker Players Championship (6-handed) | $1,296,097 |
| 2018 | $10,000 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship | $259,670 |
| 2021 | $3,000 No Limit Hold'em - 6 Handed | $474,102 |
| 2023 | $50,000 Mixed Games: Poker Players Championship - 7-Handed | $1,324,747 |
