Doyle Brunson, a legendary poker player, has died Sunday, May 14 in Las Vegas. He was 89.
At the time of writing, the cause of death remains unknown.
Todd, Doyle Brunson's son, who also plays poker professionally, has confirmed the news on May 15.
He posted on Twitter: "Yes I'm sorry. It's true."
His agent Brian Balsbaugh released a statement via Twitter from his family.
"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."
Doyle Brunson
Called the "Godfather of Poker", Brunson earned the name mainly thanks to his massive influence on the game and he helped popularize poker all over the world. He was a two-time world champion with back-to-back wins at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 1976 and 1977. He also won 10 WSOP tournament bracelets, which are the second highest of all time, just behind Phil Hellmuth's 16.
Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and later on he became an ambassador of the game.
Born and raised in Texas, his signature look included a cowboy hat and he's also known by his other nickname "Texas Dolly". Throughout his poker career he made a total of $6,176,737, with his best live cash worth $1,198,260 which he won first place in the WPT 2004 Legends of Poker tournament.
He retired in 2018.
The World Poker Tour tweeted:
"The poker world mourns the loss of a legend. Doyle Brunson, a true icon of the game, passed away on Sunday at the age of 89. His impact on poker will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace, Doyle."
Brunson, known as one of the world's most prominent poker players, also authored two books entitled "Super System" and "Super System 2", which are regarded as valuable and influential the game has ever seen, and it is still widely being used today by those wanting to learn game strategy.
Daniel Negreanu, one of the best poker players in the world, wrote on his Twitter page, "Legend. There will never be another Doyle Brunson."
Poker pro Phil Hellmuth said that the poker world lost its biggest legend in Brunson.
He tweeted, "Poker lost its biggest Legend today. 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 Vegas for 50 years!! Doyle was married to the love of his life, Louise, for 62 years. Goodbye-and rest in peace-to the most beloved poker player in history..."
After his agent Brian Balsbaugh announced Brunson's passing, he shared an anonymous quote which he describes the poker legend embraced.
The quote read: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: Wow, what a ride!"
Doyle Brunson is survived by his wife Louise, his son Todd and his daughter Pam.
