Fans can vote for Hall of Fame

Phill Hellmuth's in. Who will be next?

For the second year in a row at the World Series of Poker, the Poker Hall of Fame will celebrate the induction of the class of 2009 with a special ceremony at the Main Event Final Table.

But, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Hall of Fame, the public will be allowed to vote on nominees for the first time ever.

From now until July 2, people can submit nominees to the World Series of Poker website.

The voting form will include a space for the name of a nominee and up to 250 words supporting the nominee's case.

During the 2009 WSOP Main Event, Harrah's Entertainment will announce the top 10 nominees chosen by the public, and those 10 nominees will then be amongst consideration for the Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame committee will then review the list of public nominees and determine if anyone should be added to the list, including non-players that have contributed to poker's growth as a major sport.

The 16 living Hall of Fame members will be contacted in September, and each living legend will rank the nominees in order of preference.

Each Hall of Famer can also add a write-in candidate to be added for consideration in 2010.

A select number of media members will also vote on the nominees using the same process.

Voters can submit nominees at www.worldseriesofpoker.com/pokerhalloffame/halloffamevoting.asp.