Poker Legend Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson Dies at the Age of 89

The poker world is in mourning today, as one of its greatest legends, Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, passed away last night at the age of 89.

Doyle Brunson, who was born in 1933, started playing poker at a young age, and was already a poker grinder in the 1970s, long before the glitz and glamour surrounded the game.

Coming up as a rounder, Doyle dominated the games, and had immediate success in tournament poker and the World Series of Poker, where he was crowned back-to-back champion in 1976 and 1977.

Over the years, Brunson built up an impressive poker resume that included 10 WSOP bracelets, and became one of the biggest names in the poker world.

The Poker Hall of Famer remained a staple at the highest stakes cash game tables until his final years, living up to his saying: “We don’t stop playing when we get old, we get old when we stop playing.”

Having previously survived cancer, Doyle passed away at an old age surrounded by family, and while the details of his passing are not yet clear, it is safe to say that the news shook up the poker community throughout.

Exemplary Legacy of Doyle Brunson

Few poker players have had as big of an impact or left as significant of a legacy in the poker world as Doyle Brunson, who many called “The Godfather of Poker.”

One of the original cast of characters in the early editions of the WSOP back in the 1970s, Doyle had a huge impact on the growth of the game of poker.

He was the author of “Super System,” one of the most iconic poker books that aspiring poker players continue to read to learn the fundamentals to this day.

Always kind and generous off the tables, Doyle was a true fighter at the felt, dominating his opponents for more than half a century, and earning millions of dollars in the process thanks to his mastery of all the different poker games.

While his tournament success put him near the very top of the charts, Doyle was always primarily a cash game player, and he continued playing at the highest levels until the very last months of his life.

Brunson was always destined for greatness, having dominated track and basketball in his high school years.

He chose a career playing cards instead, and clearly made the right decision, as he leaves behind a legacy that will likely never be matched by another player.

Doyle will be missed by many, including his son Todd Brunson, whom Doyle helped to poker greatness as well, and who joined his father in the Poker Hall of Fame in 2016.

Poker World Says Its Final Goodbyes

The passing of Doyle Brunson will be felt heavily throughout the poker community, as the legend had more friends than he could count among the Las Vegas and international poker elite.

As soon as the news was confirmed last night, poker players from far and wide took to social media to express their condolences with the Brunson family and their adoration for the game’s most recognizable superstar.

Daniel “KidPoker” Negreanu and his wife Amanda were among Doyle’s biggest fans, and both immediately posted on their Twitter profiles, along with some iconic photos that poker fans who have been around for some years will certainly all remember:

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 hurts. @TexDolly 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… https://t.co/HrqDq1VrZ6

— ᴬᴹᴬᴺᴰᴬ ᴺᴱᴳᴿᴱᴬᴺᵁ (@RadioAmanda) May 15, 2023

Another poker legend in his own right, Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth expressed his grief the same way, and called Brunson the most beloved poker player in history:

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

While tournament crusher Josh Arieh decided to honor Doyle in the following way:

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/i6cSt7GbbR

— Joshua Arieh (@JoshuaArieh) May 15, 2023

They were joined by dozens of others in the poker community, all of whom shared nothing but the absolute best about the legendary “Godfather of Poker.”

The day Doyle Brunson passed will remain in the history books as an end of one of the grandest tales ever told in poker. Brunson himself will remain in the memory of generations of poker players he helped shape up.

On behalf of the entire staff of Mypokercoaching.com, we would like to express our condolences to family and close friends of Doyle Brunson, the one man in poker we can all agree will remain loved by all in perpetuity.

Article by

Zvonimir Potocki

Zvonimir has played poker for well over a decade and shared his knowledge with his fans and followers on various sites. He will help you master anything from basic strategies to advanced topics, so you will not go wrong with his articles. He also loves watching poker on TV and shares his insights about poker celebrities. You can connect with Ivan via his LinkedIn profiile.