RIP Doyle Brunson, a legend of the game

Poker world mourns the loss of the biggest legend of the game Doyle Brunson, who passed away at 89 years of age. Doyle’s passing was confirmed by …

Poker News

by PokerPro Team

May 15, 2023

Poker world mourns the loss of the biggest legend of the game Doyle Brunson, who passed away at 89 years of age. Doyle’s passing was confirmed by his son Todd.

Yes I’m sorry. It’s true. RIP Doyle
— Todd Brunson (@ToddBrunson) May 15, 2023

“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.

The Godfather of Poker rose to fame in the 1970s with the start of the World Series of Poker. He won six WSOP bracelets in the first decade of the series, including two $10,000 World Championship back-to-back in 1976 and 1977, both famously with a ten-deuce hand, which is now commonly referred to as “The Doyle”.

Brunson added four more bracelets at the later stage of his career, for a total of ten, which is tied second all-time together with Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey, and trailing Phil Hellmuth’s 16 WSOP bracelet.

Despite his age and health problems, Texas Dolly remained active in the poker world until his death. Lately he focused more on cash games, as he revealed he has no stamina for longwinded tournaments, and he wanted to spend more time with his wife. He played in newly released High Stakes Poker episode and in 2022 he was signed as an ambassador of World Poker Tour and WPT Global and played in their Meet Up Game (MUG) in December.

Doyle also made a mark on poker as an author. His books Super/System and Super System 2 are considered a poker bible and are relevant to this day. He was a big influence in everything regarding poker and we can’t imagine poker world without Doyle.

“The education of a poker player is never complete, until he dies.”
Rest in peace, Doyle.

Tributes from the poker world

Poker lost its biggest Legend today: @TexDolly. He inspired 3 generations of poker players w his play, his award winning book “Super System,” and his fabulous style and grit. Doyle always played hard: the man absolutely hated losing!! Doyle ruled the high stakes cash games in Las… pic.twitter.com/L4CKzvzbIF
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) May 15, 2023

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

During the Big Game there was rodeo convention next door. The airconditioning was blasting to avoid the flies from coming in the studio.

Someone mentioned it was a bit chilly. Doyle (stuck a bunch): 'Well I'm warm as f****ing toast.'

Glad I got to play with him. RIP, Doyle. pic.twitter.com/XYC3HuzU6K
— Lex Veldhuis (@LexVeldhuis) May 15, 2023

One thing I'll always remember is the biggest compliment in my mind that he ever paid me, the time when he said that of everyone in my generation he thought only me and @JasonMercier would've been able to make it as a Texas road gambler and survive/thrive. I still think about it
— Scott Seiver (@scott_seiver) May 15, 2023

Adios, Big Papa. You gave it a great run. Grab a chair. Chip, Stuey, Sailor, Slim and Johnny Moss are playing. Deal in the cowboy with the big smile.
— Gabe Kaplan (@GabeKaplan) May 15, 2023

This one hurts. @TexDolly was my fave of all time and I loved him immediately. I remember being so giddy and nervous to meet him for the first time in 2006.

We had such a fun and playful banter right away.

I knew this day would come, but it still feels too soon. You will be… https://t.co/HrqDq1VrZ6
— ᴬᴹᴬᴺᴰᴬ ᴺᴱᴳᴿᴱᴬᴺᵁ (@RadioAmanda) May 15, 2023

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

Hard to believe Doyle is gone. He's ALWAYS been there. He was always accommodating to me. Kind, but with a poker fierceness just under the surface that made it seem like he was always ready for a game- he probably was. It seems hollow to just say, "Thanks." Man, without him…
— Lon McEachern (@lonmceachern) May 15, 2023

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

The first time I met Doyle was 15 years ago. He was gracious, funny, and kind.

The last time I had the honor of playing #poker with him was last year, and this is how I’ll remember him: sharp as ever and had me in awe of his presence until the end. Legends never die.#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/uJ3e3UKAjy
— Maria Ho (@MariaHo) May 15, 2023

This one is a heartbreaker. Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips.

Doyle was so kind and helpful to me. He was gracious to my late dear brother and every friend I introduced him to. A gentleman and a genuine legend. #TexasDolly #RIP https://t.co/Zqc4C1Tc9t pic.twitter.com/Ad9ht8uNQg
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) May 15, 2023