Doyle Brunson, the “Godfather of Poker”, dies at 89

Doyle Brunson, one of the most important poker players in history, sadly died yesterday May 14th 2023 at the age of 89.

Brunson, known as “the Godfather of Poker” and “Texas Dolly“, won ten World Series of Poker bracelets during his career, becoming the second most successful poker player in the tournament, only behind Phil Hellmuth.

Also, he obtained both the 1976 and 1977 World Championships and joined the Hall of Fame of Poker in 1988.

The news was announced through a family statement posted on Twitter by Brian Balsbaugh, Brunson´s agent.

Passing this on:

“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…

— Brian Balsbaugh (@Balsbaugh) May 15, 2023

Texas Dolly also wrote one of the most iconic poker books in history: “Super System”. The text shows the game from a strategic perspective and still has an impact on the new generations of players. In fact, the book was so important that many players and fans consider it the Bible of Poker.

The World of Poker cries about the loss of his Godfather

Reactions between poker players and fans did not wait. Players like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth and Erik Seidel made their own statements about the loss of Brunson.

“Kid Poker“, wrote the next in his Twitter account:

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

Precisely Daniel Negreanu’s wife, Amanda, also wanted to demonstrated the love he felt for Brunson:

This one hurts. Texas Dolly 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 so missed, Legend.

Five times WSOP winner Scotty Nguyen wanted to have also some words for him:

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 pic.twitter.com/TiwzjQfhCi

— Scotty Nguyen (@TheScottyNguyen) May 15, 2023

Phill Hellmuth, on the other side, wrote the next on Twitter:

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

Finally, Erik Seidel expressed this way:

Sad day. We’ve lost Doyle Brunson, the most iconic player in poker’s history, his legacy will live on forever. I’ve been so inspired by his passion & his ability to play at such a high level well into his 80’s. It’s the end of an Era.

Top10Pokersites sends our deepest condolences go out to those who knew and loved Doyle Brunson, a Texan poker player who took on the poker world and will always be its ‘Godfather‘