Godfather Of Poker Doyle Brunson Leaves Lasting Legacy

 

The iconic figure in the poker world, Doyle Brunson, known as the Godfather of Poker, passed away on May 14. He was an extraordinary character who carved his legend by playing illicit poker games across Texas prior to consolidating his tough image on felt tables in Las Vegas and elsewhere. He was 89 at the time of his death.

Brunson is the literal author of several books on poker, including his renowned “Super System,” which is considered the holy grail among poker enthusiasts. Beneath his tough facade, accentuated by the pistols he often sported on his hips, was a kind soul. However, Brunson’s final tweet encouraged everyone to face life fearlessly and with full force.

“Life is not about reaching the end in a pristine condition, but instead, it’s about sliding in sideways, completely exhausted, worn out, and exclaiming, ‘Wow, what an adventure!'”

Brunson faced countless brushes with death over the years

Brunson gained his reputation by playing live poker globally. However, Nevada poker players have the advantage of playing from home on WSOP.com Nevada, a platform run by Caesars Interactive Entertainment. This allows them to compete against other players in Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey for real money, 24 hours a day, every day.

Shortly after his death on Sunday, a statement was released by Brunson’s family.

It is with profound sadness that we report the death of our father, Doyle Brunson. He was a cherished Christian, spouse, father, and grandfather. In the ensuing days, we will share more as we pay tribute to his legacy. We kindly ask for your prayers for Doyle and our family at this time. May he find eternal peace.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, and his two children, Pam and Todd.

Brunson, a near-legendary character in the poker universe, was a regular presence at many televised poker tournaments. His survival until the age of 89 was an impressive achievement in itself, given his frequent brushes with death. From his early years participating in illicit poker games in Texas to battling cancer several times in his later years, Brunson’s life was marked by numerous encounters with mortality.

An unfortunate accident launched a legendary poker career

During his high school years, Brunson was heavily invested in athletics. He set a new school record for a mile run in 1950, but it was his basketball skills that won him a college scholarship. However, Brunson had to look for a competitive interest beyond athletics after breaking his leg in two places while working over the summer.

Brunson soon realized he had quite a knack for poker. However, during that time, it wasn’t considered a respected profession, he revealed to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

“At the time I began, poker players were viewed as inferior, often associated with criminal activities such as drug dealing or organized crime. To witness the transformation where poker is now recognized and respected as a profession is truly remarkable. I am grateful to have contributed to this change, alongside my friends – most of whom are no longer with us – we all played a significant role in shaping this perception. Seeing it now brings immense satisfaction.”

Brunson wrote on Twitter that, despite its bad reputation, playing poker in those days could have been downright dangerous.

“I’ve experienced being held up at gunpoint on six occasions. We were engaged in a game at a farmhouse just outside Austin. Amidst our two ongoing games, windows began shattering throughout the property, and seven gunmen stormed in. They forced everyone to line up against the wall, trousers down. The biggest guy is always the first target for hijackers, and that was me. The leader of the pack inquired about who was running the game. I denied any knowledge, and he responded by slamming his shotgun into my stomach. He repeated his question, to which I again denied knowing. He then aimed his shotgun between my eyes and asked once more. I finally pointed him towards ‘that guy, over there, in the green shirt.'”

However, as he continued to play, poker gradually transitioned from dimly lit, seedy backrooms to luminous casinos throughout Nevada. By the start of the 1970s, Las Vegas had established itself as the hub of all gambling activities. For the ensuing five decades, Brunson essentially made the poker tables in Vegas his home.

Brunson won WSOP Main Events in 1976-77

In 1970, at the age of 37, Brunson participated in the inaugural World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, being one of seven players. He squared off against legendary figures like Amarillo Slim, Carl Cannon, Crandell Addington, Johnny Moss, Puggy Pearson, and Sailor Roberts. Moss was declared the victor of the tournament held at Binion’s Horseshoe.

The popularization of poker in Las Vegas began then. Players from all over the world flocked to Las Vegas to challenge Brunson and others, testing their ability to gamble professionally. Judging by the buzz, it seemed that Brunson and his associates hardly ever backed down from a challenge.

Over his extensive career, Brunson likely triumphed in hundreds of poker games, amassing millions of dollars. His winning streak at the WSOP Main Events in 1976 and 1977, a feat only achieved by two other players to date, further solidifies his legacy.

Brunson also earned acclaim as a writer. He penned several popular poker books, among them his best-selling work, “Super System: A Course in Power Poker.”

Poker world talks about Brunson’s lasting legacy

Following Brunson’s death, the poker community showed their respect to the man often referred to as the Godfather of Poker.

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

“Mr. Brunson, you will forever occupy a lofty place in our hearts. You, the man, the myth, the legend, and the Godfather of poker! You’ve shaped poker into what it is today! We are grateful for everything you’ve given us. Rest in peace, Doyle Brunson, the Godfather of Poker.”

Phil Hellmuth, having faced Brunson at the poker table numerous times, expressed his respects on Twitter.

Today, the world of poker mourns the loss of its most significant legend, Doyle Brunson. He influenced three generations of poker players through his gameplay, his acclaimed book “Super System,” and his exceptional style and determination. Doyle was a fierce competitor who despised losing. For 50 years, he dominated the high stakes cash games in Las Vegas. Off the tables, Doyle was a devoted husband to Louise, his wife of 62 years. Farewell and rest in peace to the most cherished poker player in history.

Daniel Negreanu humorously tweeted that his wife’s favorite poker player was Brunson.

“Legend. Doyle Brunson is irreplaceable. He was Amanda Negreanu’s top player, without a doubt. His absence will be felt by many, as he was the Godfather of Poker.”

Jennifer Harman, who has won two WSOP bracelets, referred to Brunson as a father figure in her life.

Indeed, Doyle Brunson was a Poker Legend. However, to me, he was more like a father. His absence will deeply affect me. My thoughts and prayers are with Louise, Pam, and Todd. Doyle, I love you. Rest in peace, you were the greatest!

Officials from WSOP also posted a statement on Twitter.

“May the greatest legend of all time rest in peace. We appreciate your ultimate professionalism and gentlemanly conduct. Your place will forever remain irreplaceable.”

Brunson summed up his life better than anyone else could

In 2018, Brunson conveyed to Card Player that he had no regrets in his life.

“I’ve had a wonderful life. In my youth, I was passionate about athletics and planned to make a career out of basketball. However, a leg injury put a stop to those plans. I then discovered poker and found it to be a great platform for me to continue my competitive streak. It’s not often that an 84-year-old can compete with individuals in their 30s. This has been incredibly meaningful to me. My competitive spirit kept me in the game and poker provided the perfect avenue for that. I’m truly grateful for it. I’ve been blessed in many ways throughout my life and have managed to overcome numerous challenges. I’m still standing, and that’s what matters.”

Brunson conveyed to the Review Journal how he wants to be remembered.

“Over the years, many excellent players have emerged, leading to ongoing debates about who truly is the best. However, I believe my legacy will be that I sustained high-performance levels for a longer period than anyone else.”