Doyle Brunson, an influential poker player of all time who etched his name in poker history, passed away on Sunday, May 15th. He was 89. Known as the ‘Godfather of Poker’, Brunson was a trailblazer, a relentless opponent and a beloved representative of the game whose legacy will always be remembered. With his immense experience and strategic genius, Brunson raised poker to an unattainable level.

The family of the two-time poker champion confirmed the news of his death on Twitter. The statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.”

The public has not yet been informed of Brunson’s immediate cause of death. The Poker icon is survived by his wife Louise, daughter Pam and son Todd.

A look into Doyle Brunson’s life and career

Born in Longworth, Texas, Brunson chose to attend Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas despite receiving multiple scholarship offers. The Minneapolis Lakers expressed interest in Brunson, but a serious knee injury ended his aspirations to play in the NBA.

The Godfather of Poker and ‘Texas Dolly’ Brunson won 10 World Series of Poker games. He also won several awards, including the world titles in 1976 and 1977, and in 1988. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame at the age of 54. During his career, he earned over $6 million in live winnings. In 1979, he published a book called Super System, one of the earliest books to discuss poker strategy.

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