ShareThe World Series of Poker took a moment before starting the 2023 festival to remember the legendary Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, the 10-time WSOP bracelet winner having passed away recently aged 89.
WSOP organisers posted: “Before the start of play at 2pm today in the $25,000 NL 6-Max High Roller, there will be a moment of silence in memory of the passing of Doyle Brunson.”
Though not the first event of the 2023 Series, that tradition belongs to the Casino Employees event, the $25k HR contained many of Doyle Brunson’s peers and colleagues from the HighStakes world.
Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu were both in attendance, the Poker Brat one of those moved by the tribute to the greatest legend the poker world has ever seen.
Doyle’s passing on May 14th at the age of 89 marked the end of an era, the old-school road gambler out-living his contemporaries and surviving numerous scary incidents that would have felled lesser players.
His agent, Brian Balsbaugh, announced the sad news: “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.”
Having won 10 gold bracelets spanning the years 1976 to 2005, including his Main Event victories of 1976 and 1977, Doyle also made a total of 26 final tables at the WSOP, with 37 cashes.
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 |
There will almost certainly be a memorial event named in honour of Doyle at some point, but for the time being those at this year’s World Series of Poker will simply remember the legend and everything he gave to poker.
