Doyle Brunson, widely regarded as the most legendary player in poker history with a career spanning nearly seven decades, has passed away. The poker hall of famer was 89 years old.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the Brunson family added in a statement. “He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father, and grandfather. We’ll have more to say over the coming days as we honor his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.”
Todd and Doyle Brunson Side By Side at WSOP
Despite his age, Brunson remained active in the poker world up until his death. A few years ago he stated that he was planning to keep playing, “as long as I can get to the table.”
Brunson, known as the Godfather of Poker, was born on Aug. 10, 1933 in Longworth, Texas. He was a standout athlete, excelling in both track and field, as well as basketball. In fact, he was being eyed by the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA before a devastating work injury ended his sports career.
He initially turned his attention to teaching, but realized he could make a lot more money, as well as his own hours, by playing poker.
After years on the road with “Amarillo” Slim and “Sailor” Roberts, playing in dangerous, illegal games often set up by members of organized crime, Brunson finally settled down in Las Vegas.
He was there in 1970 at the start of the World Series of Poker and went on to win an incredible ten gold bracelets, which is tied for second all-time with Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey, behind Phil Hellmuth’s 16 wins. His run included back-to-back main event wins, in 1976 and 1977, in which he famously took down both events holding 10-2.
