World Series of Poker Champion Doyle Brunson Dies at 89

Whether you're immersed in the world of professional poker or not, there's a good chance you've heard 10-time World Series of Poker champion Doyle Brunson's name associated with the game.

Sadly, on May 14, 2023, his family announced that the 89-year-old legend had passed away.

Many in the poker community — and those who had anticipated the planned biopic he is the center of — were devastated by the news of his passing.

Here's what we know so far.

Doyle's family, who shared the news of his passing on social media, did not disclose a cause of death. And at this time, there hasn't been a cause of death released to the public. His agent posted a statement on Twitter from the family.

"It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson," Doyle's agent, Brian Balsbaugh, wrote. "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."

Doyle took home the coveted World Series of Poker Championship Main Event championship two times in his life, but won games in the tournament even more often. He also gained multiple nicknames because of his skill at the card game, one of which was the "Godfather of Poker."

According to ESPN, Doyle's lifetime earnings from tournaments added up to $6 million.

His professional poker career began in the '70s and spanned all the way up to 2022 when he participated in the 2022 World Series of Poker Main Event. He was reportedly a basketball star in the making at a young age, but when an injury took him out of the game, he focused on a career in poker. Which, everyone now knows, proved to be fruitful for the late poker star.

Doyle is survived by his three children; Todd Brunson, Doyla Brunson, and Pamela Brunson.