Doyle Bronson, 10-time World Series of Poker champion, has died at the age of 89

Ten-time World Series of Poker winner Doyle Bronson has died at the age of 89, his family announced Sunday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Bronson,” a statement from the Bronson family said. that were posted on Twitter By Brian Balspaugh, Agent Bronson. “He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father and grandfather. We will 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 cause of death has not been announced.

Brunson, known as “Texas Dolly” and the “Godfather of Poker”, was a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, inducted in 1988 at the age of 54. He had over $6 million in live tournament earnings. His endless prizes included 10 WSOP bracelets (tied for second ever with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan), 26 WSOP final tables and a victory on the World Poker Tour.

Brunson won the World Series of Poker main event in 1976 and 1977, and made the event’s final table an additional three times. Known as Doyle Brunson’s 10-2 starting hand, he won the WSOP Main Event with that hand both years.

He was rarely seen without his cowboy hat and big smile, a look that made him stand out most during the poker boom of the early 2000s. As he got older, his elimination in the WSOP each year became a memorable moment, as it was announced to all players in the tournament. They rose from their seats to give a standing ovation to the legend as he walked out of the room. His last WSOP cash came in 2018, when he made the final table in the $10,000 lowball event 2-7.

After the tournament, Bronson played consistently in the world’s top cash games. He has been a staple of the Las Vegas poker scene for decades and has taught millions of others how to play through his books, the Super System and Super System 2. The original Super System is often referred to as the bible of poker. Bronson has been an ambassador for the game and has held several tournaments in his honor.

Bronson was born in Longworth, Texas. He was an outstanding college basketball player, but knee injuries kept him from playing the sport professionally. He was survived by his wife, Louise. his son Todd. and his daughter Pam. Todd Brunson is also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. When he won his bracelet in 2005, the Brunsons became the first father-son duo to win gold at the WSOP.