ShareThe poker world recently gathered to celebrate the life and career of the legendary Doyle Brunson at a special event held at Horseshoe Las Vegas' Jubilee Theater. The "Celebration of Life" ceremony was organised by Poker Royalty, LLC, in conjunction with the World Series of Poker, The World Poker Tour, and PokerGO.
The event was attended by hundreds of friends, family, and fans of the "Godfather of Poker," who came together to honour his extraordinary legacy.
Doyle Brunson, who passed away on May 14 at the age of 89, was a dominant force in the world of poker for over five decades. He was the first poker player to win 10 WSOP bracelets, a WPT title, and was a prominent author of poker books with Super System still being the game’s most iconic title today.
Immeasurable Impact
Brunson's impact on the game was immeasurable, and his contributions to the poker world were celebrated during the hour-long tribute. The event featured speeches from poker legends such as Jack Binion, Lyle Berman, Dewey Tomko, Billy Baxter, Eric Drache, Phil Hellmuth, and Daniel Negreanu.They shared their reflections on Brunson's extraordinary legacy, highlighting his accomplishments both on and off the poker table.
Brian Balsbaugh, the celebration host, kicked off the event with a quote from Hunter S. Thompson that encapsulated Brunson's approach to life:
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'"
This quote set the tone for the heartfelt and moving tribute to the poker icon. Dewey Tomko, a close friend of Brunson, shared stories of their time together, emphasising Brunson's kindness and generosity. Mori Eskandani, a poker producer, highlighted Brunson's impact on televised poker and his role in popularising the game.
Gabe Kaplan, a fellow poker player and actor, reminisced about their friendly rivalry and the respect they had for each other. He also nearly brought the house down with his hilarious description of Brunson’s reputation as a tough negotiator.
“We’re here to celebrate his life, his legacy, his wit, his charm, the ‘Big Papa’. Never anybody like him. And never will be anybody like him again. If you knew you loved him. And if you knew him really well, you knew that there was another side, not quite so lovable."
“And I saw that side, especially. You’re trying to make a golf match on the first tee; I’m not saying that guy was a tough bargainer, but if he was a hostage negotiator, there’d be a lot of dead people.”
Lyle Berman, a fellow Poker Hall of Fame inductee, spoke about Brunson's influence on the poker community and added more about his role in popularising the game.
Daniel Negreanu, a six-time WSOP bracelet winner, shared his admiration for Brunson and how he inspired generations of poker players. Phil Hellmuth, a 17-time WSOP bracelet winner, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and compete against Brunson.
In addition to the speeches and video packages, attendees of the ceremony received a special deck of commemorative playing cards as a gift to remember the celebration and honour Doyle Brunson's lasting impact on the game of poker.
Brian Balsbaugh also proposed the idea of an annual "Doyle Day" to be celebrated throughout the poker world, further supporting Brunson's legacy. This suggestion was met with plenty of enthusiasm from the attendees, showing the deep respect and admiration the poker community has for this true legend of the game.
The Celebration of Life for Doyle Brunson was a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the poker world. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of poker players to come. Through his accomplishments, his contributions to the game, and the stories shared by those who knew him best, Doyle Brunson's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of poker enthusiasts everywhere.
