Table of Contents
Doyle Brunson was not just a poker player he was a true legend who helped shape poker into what it is today. Known as the “Godfather of Poker,” Brunson played for over 50 years and inspired generations with his fearless style, deep strategy, and lasting impact on the game.
Early Life: From Basketball Star to Poker Great
Born on August 10, 1933, in Longworth, Texas, Doyle Brunson was a talented athlete in his youth. He was an excellent basketball player and even caught the eye of NBA scouts. But a serious knee injury ended his sports dream.
After finishing his studies at Hardin–Simmons University, Brunson turned his attention to poker. He started playing in small local games and soon began traveling across Texas and nearby states. These games were often dangerous and illegal, but they helped him grow into a strong, smart poker player.
Poker Career: Winning Big and Making History
Brunson’s career took off in the 1970s when he began playing at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. He made headlines by winning the Main Event in both 1976 and 1977, and he did it with the same hand each time Ten-Two, now famously known as the “Doyle Brunson.”
Over the years, he won 10 WSOP bracelets, played in the world’s biggest cash games, and became the first player to earn over $1 million in tournament winnings. His nickname, “Texas Dolly,” came from a funny mistake when sportscaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder tried to say “Texas Doyle” but mispronounced it.
With his signature cowboy hat and calm but fierce presence at the table, Brunson became a fan favorite and poker icon.
Beyond the Table: Author, Mentor, and Poker Pioneer
In 1979, Brunson changed the way people learned poker by writing Super/System, one of the first poker books to share advanced strategies. It quickly became a must-read for serious players and helped push poker into the mainstream.
He also mentored young players, helped grow the poker community, and stayed active in the scene well into his 80s. Whether on TV, in tournaments, or behind the scenes, Brunson was always giving back to the game he loved.
Doyle Brunson’s Net Worth and Business Ventures
At the time of his death, Doyle Brunson had an estimated net worth of $75 million. His income came not only from poker but also from:
- Book sales (Super/System and more)
- Sponsorships
- His online poker site, Doyle’s Room (sold in 2011)
- High-stakes cash games in Bobby’s Room
- Live tournament winnings of nearly $6.2 million
Full WSOP Bracelet List
Here’s a look at his 10 WSOP bracelet wins:
| Year | Event | Prize |
| 1976 | $10,000 Main Event | $220,000 |
| 1976 | $5,000 Deuce to Seven Draw | $80,250 |
| 1977 | $10,000 Main Event | $340,000 |
| 1977 | $1,000 Seven-Card Stud Split | $62,500 |
| 1978 | $5,000 Seven-Card Stud | $68,000 |
| 1979 | $600 Mixed Doubles | $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 Short-Handed NLHE | $367,800 |
Late Career and Final WSOP Appearances
During the 2010s, Brunson began to step back from long WSOP tournaments, saying the hours were too much. However, in 2018, he made a surprise return and finished 6th in the $10,000 2-7 Lowball Championship.
In 2021, post-pandemic, he tweeted that he would play in a “few select” WSOP events including the Super Seniors Event and the Main Event proving he still had a deep love for the game.
Also Read: Esports World Cup 2025: Week 1 Highlights And Major Moments
