He described these as the stereotypical back alley poker game full of cheats, thieves, and addicts. He toured private games around Texas in the 1950s. It was at that time that Doyle found his love, and exceptional talent, for poker. Unfortunately, he suffered a career-ending knee injury and his dream was shattered. Apparently, he was good enough to do just that. Reading his autobiography included in Super System 2, it’s clear that Doyle Brunson wanted to pursue professional basketball as his career. In fact, he was recruited by the then-Minneapolis Lakers on a basketball scholarship in college. Born in 1933 and raised in Texas, he was an excellent all-around athlete as a teenager, excelling at both track and basketball.

Doyle Brunson’s Early YearsĮven though most of Doyle’s life has been dedicated to poker, his first love was sports. Today, you’ll find him in some of Las Vegas’ biggest cash games and the occasional WSOP Main Event or Seniors Event appearance. Not only does he boast 10 WSOP bracelets, back-to-back WSOP Championships, and millions of dollars in prize money, but he remains one of the best poker players in the world at over 80 years old with his unpredictable aggressive style.ĭoyle (or “Texas Dolly” if you prefer nicknames) largely helped popularize Texas Hold’em and poker in general as one of the original participants in the World Series of Poker.

By Josh H | Last Updated: DecemA living member of the Poker Hall of Fame, Doyle Brunson is both beloved as an ambassador and still feared for his dominance at any given table.ĭoyle Brunson is the definition of a poker legend.

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