Poker playing phenom Doyle Brunson passes away at 89

May 16, 2023

Poker fans were left heartbroken after learning that one of America's greatest players passed away this weekend. 

According to the New York Times, legendary poker champion Doyle Brunson died on Sunday at age 89. Brunson's agent tweeted out a statement from his family.

Family remembers Brunson as a "Christian man, husband, father and grandfather"

"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.

The Times noted that Brunson managed to prevail in 10 World Series of Poker tournaments, racking up the second-highest number of wins any player has ever achieved.

Brunson had a major impact on poker culture

"The testosterone that floods most of today’s games owes its existence to Brunson’s philosophy of attack, the outlaw whiff of his style, the cowboy jingle-jangle of his prose," the Times quoted Sports Illustrated as stating in 2005.

In addition to winning at the table, Brunson also found success as an author in 1979 when he wrote the poker strategy book "Super System."

The Times recalled how Brunson's poker career began with illegal games in his native Texas and eventually led to a lucrative career in Las Vegas.

The paper also pointed out that he and his son Todd made history in 2005 by becoming the first ever parent-child duo to win at the World Series of Poker.

Brunson praised for his "gracious nature" and "wicked sense of humor"

Tributes to Brunson quickly appeared on social media, including from actor James Woods, who praised the fallen poker player for being "gracious to my late dear brother and every friend I introduced him to."

Actress Jennifer Tilly lamented Brunson's passing as well. She spoke fondly of how Brunson "had a wicked sense of humor and always put a smile on my face."


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