Card players were left saddened this weekend when poker legend Doyle Brunson passed away at the age of 89.
According to the New York Post, a statement released by Brunson's family and tweeted by his agent explained that he had died on Sunday.
Passing this on:
“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…
— Brian Balsbaugh (@Balsbaugh) May 15, 2023
"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," the statement explained.
"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," it added.
Brunson's agent also tweeted an anonymous quote that the late poker player had embraced. It read, "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: 'Wow, what a ride!"
The Post noted that Brunson was widely known as "the Godfather of Poker" and was nicknamed "Texas Dolly." He won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments, the second highest number of victories that any player has ever achieved.
Brunson published a book on poker strategy in 1979 called "Super System," and it is credited with building interest in the game.
Tributes to Brunson quickly appeared on social media, including from actor James Woods, who praised the fallen champion for his kind and gracious nature.
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. #TexasDolly #RIP https://t.co/Zqc4C1Tc9t pic.twitter.com/Ad9ht8uNQg
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) May 15, 2023
Actress Jennifer Tilly spoke up as well, recalling how Brunson "had a wicked sense of humor and always put a smile on my face."
Rip #DoyleBrunson. I had the pleasure of playing with him many times. He had a wicked sense of humor and always put a smile on my face. Even when he bluffed me out of a hand he did it in such a genial way, I felt like it had somehow been an honor for him to take my chips. #Legend pic.twitter.com/Bzn9GElEFC
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) May 15, 2023
Meanwhile, fellow professional poker player Phil Galfond expressed gratitude for having "had the opportunity to truly understand Doyle’s greatness by sitting across the table from him."
I’m so lucky I had the opportunity to truly understand Doyle’s greatness by sitting across the table from him.
“Legend” feels inadequate.
We don’t have a word for what Doyle Brunson is to poker.
Rest in Peace ♥️ pic.twitter.com/IjCDrNG96c
— Phil Galfond (@PhilGalfond) May 15, 2023
