Poker Great Doyle Brunson Dead at 89

Written by :

C Costigan

Published on :

15 May, 2023

The poker world was mourning overnight Sunday and will likely be waking up to the sad news that the great Doyle Brunson has passed away at the age of 89.

Brunson was a ten time World Series of Poker champion and good friend of the Gambling911.com website. His DoylesRoom Poker Room would go on to become Americas Cardroom in 2011.

"It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson," Brunson's family said in a statement, which was posted on Twitter by Brian Balsbaugh, Brunson's agent. "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 was one of the kindest men I have ever met," recalled Gambling911.com's Jenny Woo upon learning of the news. "I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Having been part of his roast years back was such a true honor."

Brunson, known as "Texas Dolly" and the "Godfather of Poker," was a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, inducted in 1988 when he was age 54. He had more than $6 million in live tournament earnings.

Brunson played basketball at Hardin-Simmons and once dreamed of playing in the NBA before a knee injury derailed that opportunity.

Across Twitter the tributes began pouring in with #WSOP the top trending topic late Sunday.

Heartbroken over Doyle Brunson's passing.

This is a picture from the 2009 @WSOP, the first time I met Texas Dolly.

I was fortunate enough to not only see him many more times over the years but also interview him on several occasions. Always kind to me.https://t.co/OZhab3zsm8 pic.twitter.com/W0RhXXYJ9S
— Chad Holloway (@ChadAHolloway) 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

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

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

Poker has truly lost a legend this day.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; his son, Todd; and his daughter, Pam.