ShareThe Godfather of Poker, Doyle Brunson, has passed away at the age of 89. “Texas Dolly” was one of the most influential poker players of all-time and his death leaves an immense void in the community that can never be filled.
The news was posted on Twitter by Brunson’s agent, Brian Balsbaugh, along with a message from the family promising more to come in the next few days.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson. 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.” Sincerely, the Brunson Family.”
Brunson’s reputation was of such stature that it extended far beyond the poker world. Award winning actor James Woods was quick to tweet his condolences.
“This one is a heartbreaker. Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips. Doyle was so kind and helpful to me. He was gracious to my late dear brother and every friend I introduced him to. A gentleman and a genuine legend.”
Doyle Brunson's Achievements and Contributions to Poker
Doyle Brunson first developed an interest in poker during his studies at Hardin-Simmons University. Starting off in underground games, the Texan eventually was so successful that he ditched his course and pursued a career as a full-time professional player.His stories from the early days are legendary. Tales about the Texas Road Gamblers described some of the most shocking details you can imagine in a poker game. At one point, Brunson said that winning the money was never in doubt, but getting it out of town safely was a different matter entirely.
In 1970, Doyle Brunson was one of the key figures in the rise of poker. That year saw the first ever edition of the World Series of Poker with increasing popularity as each year passed.
In 1976 and 1977, Doyle Brunson won back-to-back WSOP Main Events to make it four career WSOP titles by the end of the series. Eventually, he would make it 10, a record only beaten by Phil Hellmuth in 2006, and tying with fellow greats Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan.
Year | Event | Place | Prize |
1976 | $10,000 World Championship | 1st | $220,000 |
1976 | $5,000 No-Limit Deuce to Seven Draw | 1st | $80,250 |
1977 | $10,000 World Championship | 1st | $340,000 |
1977 | $1,000 Seven-Card Stud Split | 1st | $62,500 |
1978 | $5,000 Seven-Card Stud | 1st | $68,000 |
1979 | $600 Mixed Doubles | 1st | $4,500 |
1991 | $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $208,000 |
1998 | $1,500 Seven-Card Razz | 1st | $93,000 |
2003 | $2,000 H.O.R.S.E. | 1st | $84,080 |
2005 | $5,000 Short Handed No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $367,800 |
One of Doyle Brunson’s main contributions to poker was his iconic book Super System. This was the first published work that gave deep insight into what poker strategy entails for a variety of different games. It was updated in 2005 to keep up with the increased pace of strategy development and remains a classic still today.
