Doyle Brunson is a legendary figure in the world of poker. The man known as ‘Texas Dolly’ is widely considered to be one of the greatest poker players of all time, and his contributions to the game have left a lasting impact on the world of poker. But with the great man approaching 90, how has he stayed relevant?
The Legend of Texas Dolly
Doyle Brunson was born in Longworth, Texas in 1933, and when he first began playing poker, he was a teenager. Originally a sporty type, Brunson could have become a professional basketball player, but an injury forced him to take time out from the court and swap it for the felt.
He quickly discovered that he had a natural talent for the game, and he began traveling the country to play in high-stakes games. By the start of the 1970s, Brunson had become one of the most successful and well-known poker players in the world. He won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event twice in a row in 1976 and 1977, becoming the first player to do so.
Each time he won with the same hand – ten-deuce – henceforth known as the ‘Texas Dolly’ that led to his nickname. Burning a path through the poker world at the forefront of the game, Brunson won numerous other tournaments and dominated cash games from Texas to New York and back again.
A Literary and Screen Legacy
Brunson’s impact on the world of poker goes far beyond his own success as a player. He is also known for his contributions to the game as a teacher and a mentor via several published poker books, including Super/System, a landmark work that is considered to be one of the most important poker books ever written. This book, which was first published in 1978, has been credited with popularizing Texas Hold ’em and helping to elevate the game of poker to new heights.
Brunson’s influence on the game of poker can also be seen in the many players he has mentored over the years. Many of the top professional poker players today have been influenced by Brunson and his teachings, and he continues to be a respected figure in the poker world, mostly in cash games but every so often in tournament too.
The World Poker Tour had no issue making him the centerpiece of their latest foray into the world of poker marketing in order to promote their WPT World Championship. The tournament was so successful that many called it the natural winter version of the WSOP Main Event.
Despite his advanced age, Brunson continues to play poker regularly and still competes in some of the highest-stakes cash games in Las Vegas. He is considered a living legend in the poker world, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the game for many years to come.
Brunson Junior and Beyond
Doyle Brunson continues to play poker at the highest level, starring in televised games such as High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark, as he inspires new generations of players to take up the game, solidifying his place as one of the greatest poker players of all time. Brunson’s impact on the poker world is vast and far-reaching; he is a poker player you know purely from his silhouette. Few others can say the same.
Many of the strategies and techniques that Texas Dolly pioneered have become standard in the game, and his influence can be seen in the way that players approach poker. One of the most notable things about Brunson is his longevity in the game. He has been playing poker for over 60 years, and he continues to be a competitive player even late into his eighties
Brunson has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of professional poker players, latterly on Twitter but from the second he began playing professionally in all truth. The man has seen two men die while at the same felt and had witnessed countless new eras and styles come to fruition. Doyle has spoken out against laws and regulations that he believes are harmful to the game, and he has been a vocal proponent of many new innovations and charitable causes over the years, including the fight against cancer and the support of children’s hospitals. His own son Todd Brunson has already joined him in the Poker Hall of Fame.
Brunson’s impact on the game of poker is undeniable. He is one of the most successful and influential players in the history of the game, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for many years to come. He continues to be a respected figure in the poker world, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the game for many years to come.
