Doyle Brunson, dubbed ‘The Godfather of Poker,’ has died at the age of 89, according to a family statement shared by his agent Brian Balsbaugh on Twitter.
“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.”
The World Poker Tour said Brunson, one of the most recognizable faces in poker history, died on Sunday in Las Vegas.
Brunson won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments during a legendary career before retiring in 2018.
Rarely seen without his cowboy hat, Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and later become an ambassador of the game.
“His impact on poker will be felt for generations to come,” the World Poker Tour tweeted.
As well as being one of the world’s most prominent poker players, Brunson also wrote the famous book ‘Super/System,” which is still used today by players learning game strategy.
“Legend. There will never be another Doyle Brunson,” Daniel Negreanu, one of the world’s best poker players, wrote on Twitter.
Underneath the family statement, Brunson’s agent posted a photo of an anonymous quote which he says the poker great embraced.
It read: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: Wow, what a ride!”
