Doyle Brunson, the Godfather of Poker, has died aged 89 in Las Vegas. The man who inspired three generations not only wrote the book on poker (literally), he walked the walk by beating the toughest games for more than 50 years.
News of Brunson’s passing was made public on Sunday evening by poker agent Brian Balsbaugh.
“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,” reads the May 14 tweet.
The brief statement from the Brunson family paid tribute to his life and career. It also promised to shed more light on Doyle Brunson’s passing in the coming days.
Doyle Brunson reigned for more than 50 years
Doyle Brunson was arguably poker’s biggest name. His career spanned more than 50 years and his books, Super/System and Super/System 2, sold millions of copies. In between writing books on how to play poker, Brunson won 10 WSOP bracelets, a WPT title, and more than $6.1 million in live tournaments.
#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/lQ52Tt4MPZ
— Brian Balsbaugh (@Balsbaugh) May 15, 2023
However, it was his prowess in high stakes cash games that made Texas Dolly one of poker’s greatest players (see video below).
From his days as a Texas road gambler, to the infamous Las Vegas Big Game in Bobby’s Room, Doyle Brunson won at the highest stakes for decades. Indeed, his longevity alone was enough to earn him a place among poker royalty.
Legend
There will never be another Doyle Brunson
Doyle was @RadioAmanda favorite player by a mile
He will be missed by many, the Godfather of Poker#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/Y88BsrDhhP
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) May 15, 2023
Brunson had been scheduled to take part in a special free-play event on subscription poker site ClubWPT. His presence in the May 20 tournament, which will send one player to the WPT Prime Championship, was another example of his ability to inspire amateur players.
can’t believe this day has come – you will always be held high in our hearts, the man, the myth, the legend & THE GODFATHER of poker baby! Mr Brunson, you made poker what it is baby! thank you for what you give to all of us baby! RIP Mr Doyle Brunson THE GODFATHER OF POKER pic.twitter.com/TiwzjQfhCi
— Scotty Nguyen (@TheScottyNguyen) May 15, 2023
Everyone mourns Doyle Brunson’s passing
Tributes to Doyle Brunson have been flooding in across social media over the last few hours. His passing has also made mainstream news, with major news outlets, including Reuters, NBC, and ESPN, covering the story.
Yes, Doyle Brunson was the Legend of Poker. But to me, he was more of a father. I will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to Louise, Pam and Todd.
I Love You Doyle. Rest in Peace to the Greatest!!— Jennifer Harman (@REALJenHarman) May 15, 2023
Doyle Brunson embodied poker. He was a personality, he was skilled, and he was a leader. He will be missed by those that knew him and those that didn’t. Rest in peace, Doyle Brunson.
Click here for more personal insights into Doyle Brunson and his life from CardsChat’s resident poker pro, Chris Wallace.
