Doyle Brunson

Doyle Brunson is definitely considered the king of texas holdem.  He is frequently referred to as the Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan of poker. It was twenty-nine years ago, after he wrote his legendary book Super System, that poker began to be recognized as a respectable profession.

Brunson was born in the small town of Longworth, Texas in 1933. As a young man, Brunson was very athletic and excelled in both basketball and track. He went on to attend the Hardin-Simmons University on an athletic scholarship. Brunson was drafted to play for the Lakers NBA team, however shortly after hearing the good news he suffered from a severe knee injury that ended his career as a professional athlete. The injury never healed correctly and to this day the crutch standing close by can identify his seat at a poker table. Following the knee injury, Brunson began to play poker in college. He continued to play during his time in college, until he graduated with a master’s degree in education.

After obtaining his degree, Brunson realized that he could make more money as a poker player than he could as a teacher or salesman. Brunson would continue to play high-stakes poker in Texas. He became the leader of a group called the ‘Texas Rounders’, a group of men that played high-stakes poker in the 1950’s and 60’s. Doyle recently mentioned in an interview that during this time he went broke more than a few times, but each time came back after borrowing some money from friends. The players were much more of a community back then and often lent one another money to get back on their feet after losing their bankroll.

In the early 1960’s, Brunson married his sweetheart, Louise. Together they went on to have four children. When high-stakes poker opportunities became scarce in Texas, Brunson and his family moved to Las Vegas. This is where Brunson won the World Series of Poker twice, in 1976 and 1977.

In 1978, Brunson wrote the book that is considered the bible of poker, Super System, which is a guide to the Texas Hold’em and various other poker games. Super System, has become the top-selling poker book of all time and still sells approximately 14,000 copies a month. This book was an important development as it generated greater public interest in the game of poker.

Currently, at the age of 74, Doyle Brunson still participates in some of the leading high-stakes poker games. He is a spokesperson for the website DoylesRoom.com, Brunson also writes a syndicated poker column in the London Telegraph. Some tips given by Brunson while speaking with the history channel were, “to be a successful gambler you have to have a complete disregard for money”. Brunson also believes that while playing the game of poker, one should pay close attention to what is happening in the eyes of the other player. A recent tribute to Brunson came from Bluff magazine, in January 2006, when he was voted “the #1 most influential force in the world of poker”.

Doyle Brunson Facts

- The first player to earn $1 million in poker tournaments.
- 10 WSOP Bracelets
- In January 2006, BLUFF magazine voted Brunson the #1 most influential force in the world of poker.

Doyle Brunson's WSOP Bracelets
 

Year	Tournament	Prize
1976	$10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship	$220,000
1977	$5,000 Deuce to Seven Draw	$80,250
1977	$10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship	$340,000
1977	$1,000 Seven-Card Stud Split	$62,500
1978	$5,000 Seven-Card Stud	$68,000
1979	$600 Mixed Doubles (with Starla Brodie )	$4,500
1991	$2,500 No Limit Hold'em	$208,000
1998	$1,500 Seven-Card Razz	$93,000
2003	$2,000 H.O.R.S.E.	$84,080
2005	$5,000 No Limit Shorthanded Texas Hold'em (6 players per table)	$367,800

Doyle Brunson Pictures

Doyle Brunson Videos

Doyle Brunson vs. Chip Reese in the 50K WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Event



Poker Superstars Interview with Doyle Brunson



Doyle Brunson vs. Guy Laliberte on High Stakes Poker - $818k Pot



Watch more videos in our Poker Videos

Doyle Brunson Links:
Wikipedia about Doyle Brunson

Doyle Brunson also appears occasionally in the Bankroll Boost Poker Gossip Blog.