Poker ace Doyle Brunson passes away at age of 89

People like Doyle Brunson are born once in a generation – and sometimes, they skip a generation entirely. Brunson, a famed and beloved poker professional know to the community by the endearing moniker "Texas Dolly" or the somewhat more solemn "Godfather of Poker," has passed away at the age of 89, his family announced.

"We’ll have more to say over the coming days as we honor his legacy," a statement announcing the man’s passing said. Brunson was one of the most passionate players you would find in Las Vegas or anywhere in the world where there was poker, as he traveled the world to play high-stakes games and was rarely seen without his cowboy hat.

He was an advocate for the game and has won countless accolades from playing it, starting with massive victories at events such as the World Series of Poker at a time when the event was hardly as glamorous or important as it is today.

Remembered as a polite and easy-going player, he has amassed more than $6m from playing live tournaments, with his biggest win a whopping $1.2m he won back in 2004. In his time, Brunson has won 10 WSOP Bracelets with his last one secured in 2005. The fact he never won more bracelets after that has not stopped him from playing at all.

He last joined a WSOP Main Event in 2013, but his legacy lived on regardless. He made several attempts to return, with one of his sowings in 2017, and another in 2021. His last true all-out competition was at the $ 10,000 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship (Event #23) in 2018 when he finished 6th and left the green felt with $43,963 more to his name, crowning his lifelong career of successes.

Brunson was inducted in the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988, at the age of 54. There were many reasons for him to be recognized at the time, including the fact the won two back-to-back WSOP Main Event competitions in 1976 and 1977. Brunson also authored the "Super System" and "Super System 2" in which he imparted his knowledge of the game, and intuitive approach to it. The books were deemed "bibles" of the game and a must-read for anyone keen to get into playing poker. Brunson will be missed.

Image credit: Unsplash.com