On May 14, 2023, the poker community sadly lost one of the “most influential players” of all time, Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, who passed away at the age of 89.
Known as the “Godfather of Poker”, Doyle was a poker player and author, a legend in the poker world for many reasons.
A Highlight Of Doyle Brunson’s Career
Brunson attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where he played basketball. After suffering a knee injury that cut his basketball career short, he turned to professional gambling and poker in the 1950s. He was introduced to poker by his father, who would often organise games at home.
Brunson’s poker career began in earnest in 1976, when he won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and took home a prize of $220,000. The next year, he won the Main Event again, this time taking home $340,000. These back-to-back wins cemented his reputation as one of the greatest poker players of all time, and he became a household name in the poker world.
Over the course of his career, Brunson has won an impressive ten WSOP bracelets, an achievement that places him in the upper echelon of all-time WSOP winners.
In addition to his outstanding performance in poker, Doyle went on to publish his first book, “Super/System,” which is considered by many to be the “Bible” of poker. It was first published in 1978 and has since been updated several times. The book covers various poker topics and includes contributions from other poker players, including Mike Caro, David Sklansky, and Chip Reese.
In addition to his success in poker, Brunson is also known for his philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
Rest in peace, Doyle Brunson.
