On Sunday, family members of Doyle Brunson announced that The Godfather of Poker had passed away. He was 89.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the statement read. “Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.”
Brunson was a legend in the poker world, winning 10 World Series of Poker bracelets and competing in the highest cash games on offer in Las Vegas for more than 50 years. Before becoming a professional poker player, Brunson was a standout basketball player in Texas, and the Minneapolis Lakers showed interest in drafting him before he suffered a debilitating leg injury in a sheetrock accident. Not long after, “Texas Dolly” started traveling the Lone Star State and playing in dangerous, illegal home games.
Brunson played an instrumental role in the creation of the World Series of Poker, and won the Main Event back to back in 1976-77 with the same hand — ten deuce. He also authored Super/System, a revolutionary poker training book that featured strategies from several top professionals in different forms of poker.
His death prompted an outpouring of support from poker players around the world:
Doyle is survived by his wife Louise, son Todd, and daughter Pamela.
Photo courtesy of PokerGO
