A poker legend who was integral to the start of the WSOP, Doyle Brunson, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Godfather of Poker’, was one of the most influential poker players prior to his passing on May 14, 2023.

Getting his start as a travelling gambler who earned his living in illegal games in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, Brunson’s early success in a long gone era laid the groundwork for a career that spanned decades.

Competing in the very first WSOP with the likes of Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, and Johnny Moss in 1970, Brunson and poker’s early greats helped start an event that would be integral to the game’s eventual popularity.

Winning back-to-back WSOP Main Events in 1976 and 1977, Brunson’s two Main Event victories contributed to his 10 career bracelets, leaving him tied for third all-time with Erik Seidel and Johnny Chan.

During the final hand of both of his Main Event victories, Brunson would win holding 10-2. Nearly 50 years later, players all over the world still refer to the hand as “Doyle Brunson”.

In 1978, Brunson published Super/System, which is regarded today as one of, if not the most impactful, poker strategy books ever published. Sharing insights used by professional poker players at the time, recreational players around the world used Brunson’s Super/System to greatly improve their skills, so much so that the author surmised writing the book cost him money in the long run.

While Brunson may no longer be with us, his impact and legacy is still alive at every WSOP event.