The man who list the fuse for the global poker boom has finally been recognised for the Poker Hall of Fame along with a cash game legend.

2003 Main Event Champion Chris Moneymaker is joined by high stakes pro David Oppenheim in the class of 2019.

They beat competition from Chris Bjorin, David Chiu, Eli Elezra, Antonio Esfandiari, Chris Ferguson, Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow and Huckleberry Seed to Chris Bjorin, David Chiu, Eli Elezra, Antonio Esfandiari, Chris Ferguson, Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow and Huckleberry Seed to become the 57th and 58th inductees.

The criteria for the Hall of Fame is as follows:

A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition

Be a minimum of 40 years old at time of nomination

Played for high stakes

Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers

Stood the test of time

Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results.

The man that lit the fuse

Arguably the most important moment in poker history

Oppenheim is considered one of the best mixed game cash game players in poker and widely considered the best player without a WSOP bracelet today.

“Being recognized as one of the all-time greats by my peers is truly humbling and I am honoured to have been selected to the Poker Hall of Fame, said Oppenheim.” “I have been so fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living. I never planned to be a professional poker player, rather it was a passion that became my job. People often ask me, how does one become a professional poker player? The answer is hard work and that goes for everyone that plays at the highest level. From the time I began playing I was incredibly passionate about poker and it led to me being able to travel this road that has been travelled by very few. Again, I am extremely grateful to be receiving this honour. Thank you.”

Chris Moneymaker famously won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event as an online satellite qualifier, encouraging thousands more people to try and replicate his success. As this writer argued he deserved his place in the Hall of Fame based on contributing to the growth of the game rather than for his ability as a player.

"I'm very honoured... very happy," said Moneymaker, "It's great for my kids -- it'll be a cool thing for them to see when they grow up."

Chris also won three awards this year at the special 50th Anniversary Gala to mark his contribution to poker history.

Did you agree with the selections? Let us know in the comments: