The poker community has come together to give the late poker great his own day of the year
A multitude of poker enthusiasts, alongside some of the most prominent figures in the game, assembled on Sunday to pay tribute to the late Doyle Brunson through a distinctive commemoration of his life. This remarkable occasion was accessible to all, and the queue to access the Jubilee Theater extended along the Horseshoe Las Vegas Casino premises. As they gathered to reflect on the impression Texas Dolly left on them and the game, they came to a resounding conclusion – Brunson deserved his own day on the calendar.
Recognized as the ultimate icon, Brunson, at 89, passed away in May. For nearly 70 years, the legendary player dominated the game at its pinnacle, earning an illustrious spot in the Hall of Fame. Accompanying this prestigious legacy, the player triumphantly clinched ten championship bracelets in the World Series of Poker, along with a notable victory in the World Poker Tour. Furthermore, the player also left an indelible mark as an author, crafting the very first poker literary masterpiece known as the Super System.
Brian Balsbaugh, a trusted companion and agent of Brunson, orchestrated the occasion. He proposed October 2 as an apt date to celebrate the remarkable triumphs that Brunson achieved with 10-2 – he won two WSOP Main Events with the cards. The idea garnered overwhelming support from all those in attendance, as it received an enthusiastic second to move forward.
Doyle Brunson’s soon-to-be-published documentary, sampled during the celebration, delighted the crowd. Dewey Tomko, Mori Eskandani, Gabe Kaplan, Lyle Berman, Daniel Negreanu and the ever-energetic Phil Hellmuth, captivated the audience with their speeches.
In addition, a diverse and impressive array of individuals known for their notable presence in the poker world were there to celebrate Brunson’s life. This group features personalities like Jack Binion, Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, Freddy Deeb, Linda Johnson, Terry King, David Williams, Josh Arieh, Tony Dunst, Karina Jett and Bertrand Grospellier. Also in attendance were Adam Pliska and Matt Savage, both executives with the World Poker Tour (WPT), and poker vloggers Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen were also among the distinguished crowd.
Editor-in-Chief of the Big Blind, a prominent gambling industry publication, brings 30+ years of journalism experience to his role. His vision emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and responsible journalism, making the Big Blind a trusted source in the online gambling sector.
