Doyle Brunson, the “Godfather of Poker” who was a 2-time world champion, dies at 89

Doyle Brunson, one of the most influential poker players of all time and a two-time world champion, died Sunday, according to his agent. Brunson was 89.

Brian Balsbaugh, Brunson’s agent, posted a statement on Twitter from the family.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the statement read. “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.”

Brunson, called the “Godfather of Poker” and also known as “Texas Dolly,” won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments – second only to Phil Hellmuth’s 16. He also captured world championships in 1976 and 1977 and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.

He wrote a book called “Super System” in 1979, which was one of the first books to delve into poker strategy and created a lasting impact that helped bring many others to the game.

“Rest in Peace to the Biggest Legend of Them All. Thank you for being the consummate player and gentleman. No one will ever fill your seat,” World Series of Poker tweeted.

Rest in Peace to the Biggest Legend of Them All. Thank you for being the consummate player and gentleman. No one will ever fill your seat. pic.twitter.com/riE35PCrQh

— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) May 15, 2023

Five-time WSOP winner Scotty Nguyen tweeted that he “can’t believe this day has come – you will always be held high in our hearts, the man, the myth, the legend & THE GODFATHER of poker baby! Mr Brunson, you made poker what it is baby! thank you for what you give to all of us baby! RIP Mr Doyle Brunson THE GODFATHER OF POKER.”

To his long-time poker opponent Daniel Negreanu, he was a “legend.”

“There will never be another Doyle Brunson,” Negreanu tweeted. “He will be missed by many, the Godfather of Poker.”

His influence carried beyond poker.

“This one is a heartbreaker,” actor James Woods tweeted. “Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips.”

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

“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.”

Born in Texas, Brunson played basketball at university but a knee injury ended his hopes of going professional.

AFP contributed to this report.