It is usually a sign that you’ve “made it” in a particular endeavor or activity. If anything has been around for a good length of time, it is likely that it has a Hall of Fame. Not only does poker have one (at least in theory, as it doesn’t have a physical location), individual countries have created their own Hall of Fame for the game. Recently one of those Halls, in Australia, announced the induction of their Class of 2020.
Gilmartin, Burns Enter the Australian Poker Hall of Fame
World Poker Tour anchor Lynn Gilmartin was given the honor of entering into the Australian Poker Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Aussie Millions. Gilmartin has become one of the most recognizable faces of poker through her work. She was a part of the coverage team for PokerNews.com before being hired by the WPT in 2013 to work in the anchor’s chair alongside then color commentator Mike Sexton and current play-by-play man Vince Van Patten.
Gilmartin’s achievements aren’t limited to the broadcasting side of the poker world, however. In 2015, Gilmartin won a women’s event on the European Poker Tour and has cashed in tournaments around the world. She also has been a figurative part of poker’s charitable causes, raising money this year to help her home country, Australia, and its native animals after the devastating wildfires that have raged across the continent.
“The entire World Poker Tour family is so proud of Lynn for this well-deserved recognition,” said Adam Pliska, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Poker Tour. “Lynn is beloved by the entire poker community not only for her many contributions to the sport of poker, but also for her unwavering devotion to her country and her ongoing commitment to worthy causes such as Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, a non-profit founded by Terri Irwin and her late husband Steve Irwin. Lynn is one of the kindest and most generous people I know, and her passion and drive are remarkable.”
Burns Earns Induction For “High Roller” Action
While Kahle Burns’ induction is supposed to be for a lifetime of work, it is highly arguable that he’s got a lot left to do in his life!
In the past decade, Burns has gone from playing small buy in tournaments to being among the biggest “High Rollers” in the tournament poker world. He has won two World Series of Poker bracelets along with many victories in tournaments with astronomical buy ins. He picked up the championship of this year’s $100,000 Challenge at the Aussie Millions and, in the past, has captured championships in the Poker Masters series, on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour and at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series. All totaled, in a scant 10 years Burns has picked up more than $9.5 million in career earnings.
Master of Ceremonies and Australian Poker Hall of Famer Joe Hachem had the honor of inducting both Gilmartin and Burns and he saved some especially kind words for someone who was obviously inspired by his WSOP Championship Event run in 2005. “I’ve been playing with this young man for many years,” Hachem was quoted by PokerNews during the induction ceremonies, “and I can honestly say I’ve given him more bad beats than he’s given me. He plays Pot Limit Omaha, he plays Hold’em, and he travels the world.”
The Australian Poker Hall of Fame is celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2020 and the list of people that Gilmartin and Burns will join in enshrinement is a veritable Who’s Who of the poker world. In addition to Hachem, Jeff Lisandro, Mel Judah, Marsha Waggoner and Lee Nelson have seats in the Australian poker version of Valhalla. The induction ceremonies are held each year in coordination with the Aussie Millions, ensuring that the eyes of the poker world will see who is inducted and receive the kudos they so richly deserve.
Your an American. However you do an awesome job as a Australian!!!