Doyle Brunson, widely regarded as the most legendary card player in poker history with a career spanning nearly seven decades, is gone. The Farmers Poker Hall was 89 years old.
Bronson’s death was confirmed by his son, Todd, who was at his father’s side in a Las Vegas hospital.
“Yes, I’m sorry. It’s true. to cut Doyle. Todd Bronson wrote on Twitter. “Thank you all for your concern, but I need to ask everyone to respect my family’s privacy at this point.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Bronson,” the Bronson family added in a statement. He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father and grandfather. We’ll have more to say over the coming days as we respect his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.”
Brunson, known as the Godfather of Poker, was born on August 10, 1933 in Longworth, Texas. He was an outstanding athlete, excelling in track and field, as well as basketball. In fact, it was the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA before a devastating work injury ended his sporting career.
He initially turned his attention to teaching, but realized he could make a lot of money, in addition to his working hours, by playing poker.
After years on the road with “Amarillo” Slim and “Sailor” Roberts, and playing in dangerous and illegal games often engineered by members of organized crime, Bronson finally settled down in Las Vegas.
It was there in the 1970’s at the beginning World Series of Poker He went on to win an astounding ten gold bracelets, which is tied for second all-time with Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey, behind Phil Hellmuth’s 16 victories. His career included back-to-back main event wins, in 1976 and 1977, in which he is known for going 10-2 in both events.
Bronson was also an author super / systemwhich was considered the bible of poker when it was self-published in 1978.
Despite his age, Brunson remained active in the poker world until his death. A few years ago he stated that he was planning on continuing to play, “as long as I can get to the table”.
“It’s been a wonderful life,” Bronson said. card player Back in 2018. “I was consumed with being an athlete when I was young and was going to make basketball my career. When I broke my leg, that was the end of it. I turned to poker as a way to stay competitive, which was cool. You can’t find many things that An 84-year-old could still compete against guys in their 30s. It meant a lot to me. My competitive nature pushed me to keep competing, and poker was the vehicle that allowed me to do that. I’m just grateful for that. I’ve got so much One of the blessings in my life, and I’ve survived a lot of hard times. But, I’m still here.”
Although he admitted that he no longer had the stamina for tournaments and did not want to leave his wife for a long time, he still competed regularly in cash games, including PokerGO. High stakes poker Displays. In the summer of 2022, he was signed as a brand ambassador for World Poker Tour.
In recent years, a few film projects and documentaries about Bronson’s life have been announced. In March, he was present at the official unveiling of the Horseshoe on the Las Vegas Strip, the new home of WSOP.
Bronson is survived by his wife, Louise, whom he married in 1962, as well as his two sons, Todd and Pamela.
Poker world reaction
Rest in peace the biggest legend of them all. Thank you for being the outstanding player and gentleman. No one will ever fill your seat. pic.twitter.com/riE35PCrQh
– WSOP – World Series of Poker (WSOP) May 15, 2023
Poker has lost its biggest legend today: @tweet. He has inspired 3 generations of poker players with his game, award winning book “Super System”, great style and determination. Doyle has always played tough: the man absolutely hates losing!! Doyle ruled high-stakes cash games in Las… pic.twitter.com/L4CKzvzbIF
– phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) May 15, 2023
legend
There will never be another Doyle Bronson
Doyle was @tweet Favorite player by a mile
He will be missed by many, the godfather of poker#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/Y88BsrDhhP
– Daniel Negrino (RealKidPoker) May 15, 2023
Yes, Doyle Brunson was a poker legend. But for me, he was a father. I will miss him so much. My prayers go out to Louise, Pam, and Todd.
I love you, Doyle. Rest in peace the greatest!!– Jennifer Harman (@REALJenHarman) May 15, 2023
I can’t believe this day has come – you will always be stuck in our hearts, the man, the legend, the legend & the Spiritual father Poker kid! Mr. Bronson, you made poker the way it is, baby! Thank you for what you do for all of us, my love! to cut Mr. Doyle Bronson the Spiritual father to poker pic.twitter.com/TiwzjQfhCi
– Scotty Nguyen (@TheScottyNguyen) May 15, 2023
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to truly understand Doyle’s greatness by sitting on the other side of the table.
“Myth” seems insufficient.
We have no word on what Doyle Brunson means in poker.
rest in peace pic.twitter.com/IjCDrNG96c
Phil Galfond May 15, 2023
The first time I met Doyle was 15 years ago. He was kind, funny and kind.
The last time I had the honor of playing #poker He was with him last year, and this is how I will remember him: sharp as ever and I had him in awe of his presence until the very end. Legends never die.#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/uJ3e3UKAjy
– Maria Ho May 15, 2023
Doyle Bronson is dead. He was and still is the greatest poker legend. Personally, the happy memories of happy times and adventures help soothe my overwhelming sadness – as I hope it does for his family and friends all over the world as well. Doyle was 89 years old.
– Mike Caro May 15, 2023
The only guy I think I took a picture of because I was in awe of being at the same table as him. Rest in peace, Doyle. pic.twitter.com/MpjAtf2AqA
– Ben Lamb (@BenbaLamb) May 15, 2023
During the big game, there was a nearby rodeo convention. The air conditioning was blasting to keep flies from coming into the studio.
Someone mentioned it was a little cold. Doyle (holding a handful): “Well, I’m warm as toast.”
Glad I played with him. to cutDoyle. pic.twitter.com/XYC3HuzU6K
– Lex Veldhuis May 15, 2023
While I’m not always looking to have poker small talk with people who don’t play poker, one thing I’m always happy to say is “I played with Doyle Brunson!” When asked if you have played with any famous person. I found his sharpness at his age incredible, too. to cut
– Brian Hastings (@brianchastings) May 15, 2023
Many feel your loss. Rest in peace to the legendary Doyle Bronson. pic.twitter.com/2VIdvJ0qpz
– Horseshoe Las Vegas (Horseshoe Vegas) May 15, 2023
I cannot express in words at this time how much I have inspired Doyle during my adult life and how blessed and honored I have felt to sit at the same table with him day in and day out and truly get to know the man in a way that few will ever have. Heart broken..
– Scott Seiver (@scott_seiver) May 15, 2023
to cut Doyle. The original game legend. I still remember the noise from my first home game every time the T2o rotated. pic.twitter.com/c4u2QaGTwm
– Darren Elias (@DarrenElias) May 15, 2023
The ultimate GG for Doyle Bronson. What a legend. Not only in how great he is for a player but also in his unparalleled longevity in the game and what a person he was.
If anyone was looking for how to carry themselves and treat others, Doyle was…
– Faraz Jaka (@FarazJaka) May 15, 2023
Remember that Doyle Bronson’s first and only retirement from WSOP He came not because the game had passed him by, but because he needed to be with his wife, Louise.
A devoted family man who has had the greatest influence on poker. May his memory be a blessing always.
— Jeff Platt (@jeffplatt) May 15, 2023
my condolences to @tweet and family. Doyle has been universally loved and respected in the poker world and has competed at the highest levels for over 40 years in addition to maintaining a strong family life. What a wonderful legacy he leaves for all of us in the world of poker
– Ari Engel (@AriEngelPoker) May 15, 2023
I am forever grateful for Doyle’s contribution to the world of poker. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today, had it not been for game development. He will always be one of my idols!
The world of poker will never be the same! # Tweet with a picture
– Joshua Arieh (@JoshuaArieh) May 15, 2023
Chip and Doyle are in heaven. I hope they don’t break all the toys before I get there in about 50 years # Trip Doyle
– Max Pescatori (@maxpescatori) May 15, 2023
He grew up watching poker religiously. Doyle was a hero in my childhood, as I often grew up pretending to be with a group of others as I dealt 9 bare hands to play against each other in my bedroom. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/G4U9oH8Lur
– Daniel Zack (Dan__Zack) May 15, 2023
to cut To a true legend, a bridge between three eras of gambling history. Doyle Brunson played poker with Titanic Thompson, who played with Arnold Rothstein. He has seen it all and has been in the business for over 70 years. pic.twitter.com/POkeBGpomz
– David Hill (@davehill77) May 15, 2023
No matter what happens to the rest of my poker career, I’m fortunate to have had the privilege of playing Doyle Brunson. #ripTexasDolly
– Ada Friedan (@AdamFriedman119) May 15, 2023
Doyle Bronson, 1933-2023
World Series of Poker Champion, 1976 and 1977
1976@tweet pic.twitter.com/yrPeIgbMob
– Vegas Visual (@vegas_visual) May 15, 2023
#RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/lQ52Tt4MPZ
– Brian Balsbaugh (@Balsbaugh) May 15, 2023
Woke up in Europe to 100 letters, you can tell the legend of a man by the effect he has had on so many and certainly did for me and my family in his 30 years in this game. Rest in peace Doyle Bronson! pic.twitter.com/e9YMCnYYz3
– Matt Savage (SavagePoker) May 15, 2023
It’s hard to believe Doyle is gone. he always I was there. He always accommodated me. Cute, but with a poker ferocity just below the surface that made it seem like he was always up for the game – maybe he was. It seems hollow to say “thank you”. Oh man without him…
– Lon McEachern (@lonmceachern) May 15, 2023
* Image credit PokerGO / Enrique Malfavon
