Godfather Of Poker Doyle Brunson Leaves Lasting Legacy

The poker community grieved the passing of a legend, Doyle Brunson, on May 14. Brunson, known as the Godfather of Poker, died at 89. He initially made his name by participating in prohibited poker games across Texas. Later, he cemented his hard-edged reputation on the poker tables of Las Vegas and other places.

Brunson, the actual writer of various poker books, is best known for his “Super System”, which poker enthusiasts consider the holy grail. Despite his tough exterior, often highlighted by the pistols he regularly wore on his hips, he was a genuinely kind-hearted individual. In his final tweet, Brunson urged people to tackle life with utmost enthusiasm and courage.

“Life is not about carefully advancing towards death with a perfectly preserved body, but rather about skidding in sideways, fully worn out and exclaiming loudly, what a thrilling journey!”

Brunson faced countless brushes with death over the years

Brunson gained recognition through his involvement in live poker games around the world. However, poker fans in Nevada can enjoy playing from the comfort of their own homes via WSOP.com Nevada, an online platform run by Caesars Interactive Entertainment. This online poker site enables players to compete against others from Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey for real money, round-the-clock.

Brunson’s family released a statement soon after his death on Sunday.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, Doyle Brunson. His life as a devout Christian, husband, father, and grandfather was deeply cherished, and his absence will be felt significantly. In the days to come, we will honor his life and legacy. We respectfully request your prayers for Doyle and our family in this challenging period. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

His wife, Louise, and his two children, Pam and Todd, survive him.

Brunson, a figure nearing legendary status in the poker world, was a regular attendee at numerous poker tournaments, many of which were televised. His longevity, living up to 89 years old, was an accomplishment in itself considering his numerous close encounters with death. These began in his youth, with participation in illicit poker games in Texas, and continued into his later years with repeated fights against cancer.

An unfortunate accident launched a legendary poker career

During his high school years, Brunson focused on athletics. He set a new record for his school in the mile run in 1950. His basketball skills won him a college scholarship. However, a severe leg fracture sustained during a summer job forced Brunson to explore competitive interests outside of athletics.

Brunson quickly discovered his exceptional poker skills. However, during that period, it wasn’t deemed a respectable career, he disclosed to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

“Originally, poker players such as yourself were viewed as being on the same level as drug dealers or mobsters. It’s remarkable to observe the enhanced esteem the profession currently holds. I’m thankful to have contributed to this transformation, together with my friends – even though most of them aren’t around anymore. Our role in cementing this change was crucial. Seeing the results now fills me with immense satisfaction.”

Brunson expressed on Twitter that despite its bad reputation, playing poker posed extreme danger in those days.

I have been through six armed robberies. We were enjoying ourselves at a farmhouse just on the outskirts of Austin, deeply involved in a couple of games, when suddenly the windows of the house started shattering. Seven armed trespassers stormed in. They commanded all of us to line up against the wall, with our pants down. In such scenarios, the largest individual is usually the primary target, which in this case, was me. The gang’s leader wanted to know who was running the game. When I told him I had no idea, he responded by poking my abdomen with his shotgun. He asked the same question again, receiving the same answer. Then he pushed the shotgun right against my forehead, repeating the question. I directed him to ‘that guy, over there, in the green shirt.’

Nevertheless, as he persisted with his game, poker moved from the shadowy, poorly illuminated backrooms to the gleaming casinos scattered throughout Nevada. By the start of the 1970s, Las Vegas had morphed into the epicenter of all gambling endeavors. Brunson practically dedicated the subsequent five decades to the poker tables in Vegas.

Brunson won WSOP Main Events in 1976-77

In 1970, 37-year-old Brunson was one of the seven players who participated in the first ever World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He went up against notable figures like Amarillo Slim, Carl Cannon, Crandell Addington, Johnny Moss, Puggy Pearson, and Sailor Roberts. The tournament, held at Binion’s Horseshoe, ended with Johnny Moss being crowned the champion.

This marked the beginning of poker’s rise to popularity in Las Vegas. Players from all corners of the world swarmed Las Vegas to pit their abilities against not just Brunson, but other professional gamblers as well. Based on the accounts, it seemed that Brunson and his team rarely declined a challenge.

Brunson probably won hundreds of poker games and accumulated millions of dollars over his long career. He is one of only three players to have won the WSOP Main Events consecutively in 1976 and 1977, a feat that continues to define his legacy.

Brunson gained not only recognition as a writer but also penned several popular poker books. His best-selling work is called “Super System: A Course in Power Poker.”

Poker world talks about Brunson’s lasting legacy

The poker community came together to honor the man referred to as the Godfather of Poker, after Brunson’s death.

Scotty Nguyen, a five-time World Series of Poker winner, tweeted from his personal account.

Mr. Brunson, your memory will forever occupy a cherished spot in our hearts. You stand as the man, the myth, the legend, and the undisputed Godfather of poker. It was your influence that molded poker into its current form. We profoundly appreciate the contributions you have made to us all. May you rest in peace, Mr. Doyle Brunson, the authentic Godfather of Poker.

Phil Hellmuth, who has faced Brunson at the poker table multiple times, expressed his respect on Twitter.

The poker community today grieves over the passing of its most celebrated icon, Doyle Brunson. His exceptional playing skills, his acclaimed book “Super System,” and his unparalleled style and grit, have influenced three generations of poker aficionados. Doyle was famed for his intense competitive nature and a deep-seated distaste for defeat. For five decades, he was the dominating force in high stakes cash games in Las Vegas. His love life was as long-lasting as his professional career; he cherished a 62-year-long marriage with his beloved wife, Louise. We say goodbye and extend our tributes to the most cherished poker player in history. May his soul rest in peace.

Daniel Negreanu jokingly tweeted that his wife’s favorite poker player is Brunson.

The legendary figure, Doyle Brunson, is irreplaceable. Amanda Negreanu highly admired him as a player. His loss will be deeply mourned as he was known as the Godfather of Poker.

Jennifer Harman, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, saw Brunson as a father figure in her life.

Doyle Brunson was indeed a legend in the world of poker. But to me, he was more like a father. His passing is a deep personal loss. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Louise, Pam, and Todd. Doyle, you are dearly loved. May you rest in peace as the supreme champion of all time!!

WSOP officials also posted a statement on Twitter.

“May the most remarkable legend of all time find eternal peace. We value your outstanding performance and courteous behavior. Your position will always be unparalleled.”

Brunson summed up his life better than anyone else could

Brunson told Card Player in 2018 that he lived without any regrets.

My life has been truly extraordinary. During my younger years, I was completely absorbed by my love for sports, with a particular focus on basketball. I had dreams of turning this passion into a career until a devastating leg injury forced me to abandon this ambition. That’s when I found poker. This game gave me a way to keep my competitive spirit alive and it has been an amazing journey. It’s not often that an 84-year-old can still compete with men in their 30s, and that means a great deal to me. My natural competitive streak kept pushing me, and poker provided the stage for me to express it. I’m deeply thankful for this. I’ve been fortunate in many aspects of my life and have managed to navigate through some tough periods. But here I am, still standing strong.

Brunson expressed to the Review Journal how he wishes to be remembered.

Over the years, the field has seen numerous outstanding players, sparking endless disputes about who the top player is. Nonetheless, I am confident that my legacy will stand out due to the sustained duration of my high-level performance, which likely exceeds that of anyone else.