Doyle Brunson, ‘Godfather of Poker,’ dead at 89

LAS VEGAS — Doyle Brunson, a 10-time World Series of Poker champion who was dubbed the “Godfather of Poker,” died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was 89.

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Brunson’s agent, Brian Balsbaugh, posted a statement from the two-time world champion’s family 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.”

Rarely seen without his cowboy hat, Brunson captured world championships in 1976 and 1977 and made the final three other times, according to The Associated Press. His 10 bracelets won at the World Series of Poker tied him with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan for second overall; Phil Hellmuth has won 16 times, ESPN reported.

The starting hand 10-2 is known as the Doyle Brunson because he won the WSOP main event with that hand both years, according to the AP.

Brunson also won a World Poker Tour title in 2004, according to the tour’s website. He won the 667-entry field by defeating Lee Watkinson heads-up, earning a $1,198,290 payday.

According to ESPN, Brunson won more than $6 million in live tournament earnings before he retired in 2018.

He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.

James Woods tweeted that Brunson’s death “is a heartbreaker.”

“Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived,” has cashed in his chips,” Woods said.

Brunson was born in Longworth, Texas, ESPN reported. He was a star basketball player at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, but knee injuries sidelined him.

Brunson’s first book was “Super/System.” His autobiography, “The Godfather of Poker,” was released in 2009.