The poker community is mourning the death Sunday of legend Doyle Brunson at age 89.
Brunson's family announced his passing.
"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," the family said.
One of the most prominent figures in poker history, Brunson was the first person to win $1 million from tournaments. He wrote the iconic poker book "Super System" in 1979. He is tied for second all time with 10 World Series of Poker bracelets.
The tributes came pouring in from players and fans alike.
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
Legend
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) May 15, 2023
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
Sad day. We’ve lost @TexDolly 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
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) May 15, 2023
I’m so lucky I had the opportunity to truly understand Doyle’s greatness by sitting across the table from him.
— Phil Galfond (@PhilGalfond) May 15, 2023
“Legend” feels inadequate.
We don’t have a word for what Doyle Brunson is to poker.
Rest in Peace ♥️ pic.twitter.com/IjCDrNG96c
Heartbroken over Doyle Brunson's passing.
— Chad Holloway (@ChadAHolloway) May 15, 2023
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
Doyle Brunson not only taught me how to play the game of Poker, but how to stick to your guns even when the odds are not in your favor, and for that, I say thank you. #RIPDoyle
— Joe Temperature (@JoeTemp34) May 15, 2023
Brunson retired from tournament poker in 2018 at age 84. His son, Todd, and daughter, Pamela, both have experience as professional poker players.
Why is Doyle Brunson called 'Texas Dolly'?
Brunson's famous nickname came from Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder.
Snyder, before his work for CBS, developed a relationship with Brunson and used the alias "Texas Doyle" to refer to Brunson because gambling was not encouraged in Texas at the time. Brunson was born in Longworth, Texas, near Abilene.
The rest of the story is a game of telephone. Snyder sometimes referred to Brunson as "Texas Doylee," which was misinterpreted by The Associated Press as "Texas Dolly." That misinterpretation became poker's most iconic nickname, one that would follow Brunson around for the rest of his life.
