The poker world has suffered a huge loss, as a legendary player and pioneer Doyle Brunson has passed away. He was 89 years old.
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A Sad Day for Poker Players
It was yesterday that news of his passing was made public. His family issued a statement:
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the statement read. “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.”
Yesterday, a moment of silence was held during the Triton Poker series to honor Brunson’s life.
A moment of silence in Cyprus during the @tritonpoker series to honor “The Godfather of Poker,” Doyle Brunson🕊️ pic.twitter.com/10K0iHMfpB
— Poker Org (@pokerorg) May 15, 2023
Poker Pros Respond to Brunson’s Passing
Poker players around the world have taken to Twitter to express their sadness at the news and share fond memories of Brunson.
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
He will always be the "Legend" of poker. Here is my favorite Doyle Brunson story.
It's a Wednesday evening circa 2007, and I'm playing some $10/$20 at Bellagio.
Out of the blue the floor walks up to me and says, "Hey Alec, Doyle and his entourage just walked in…" pic.twitter.com/LLPs33pIcC
— Alec Torelli (@AlecTorelli) May 15, 2023
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
Doyle Brunson is the only man that could imitate Phil Ivey and make him laugh pic.twitter.com/ic0JRcuUgZ
— Jeff Boski (@ICuRaRook) May 15, 2023
A Life of Achievements in the Poker World
Brunson got his start playing poker as a young adult, taking part in underground games in Fort Worth, Texas. He began travelling cross-state but eventually settled in Las Vegas in the 1970s. During this time, he became a regular in the World Series of Poker, winning 10 bracelets over four decades.
With an impressive talent, Brunson began publishing books on poker strategy. “How I Made Over $1,000,000 Playing Poker,” “Super System: A Course in Power Poker” and “Super System 2” continue to be some of the best-selling books on the topic.
Brunson had stayed relatively active in the live poker market, even in his 80s. In 2021, he placed 5th in the NLHE Master of Ceremonies Invitational.
His influence on the poker world will be felt by generations of future poker players.