Few names in the world of poker can boast the title of legend, but among the greatest we can clearly include the name Doyle Brunson. The pioneer of poker and the quintessential Texan in a cowboy hat died just a few minutes ago at the age of 89 in a hospital in Nevada, but he left behind an indelible legacy.

"It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson," Brian Balsbaugh said on behalf of the Brunson family. "He was a beloved man, Christian, husband, father and grandfather. We'll have more to say in the coming days as we honor his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. Rest in peace."

Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson was born on August 10, 1933 in Texas and could have been a professional basketball player if not for an unfortunate injury he suffered. During his student days, the tall and slender young man was one of the best basketball players in the country, who was interested in the NBA club Minneapolis Lakers. A serious knee injury ended his career as a professional athlete forever, and the still 18-year-old had to find other entertainment.

Well, that entertainment became poker, which was still played in the five-card draw format in those days. From dangerous Texas, Doyle gradually made his way to the cradle of gambling, where he moved permanently. Well, this is where the legendary story began, which resulted in a number of unique moments:

• Doyle became the first player in history to win more than a million dollars
• In 1976/77 he managed back-to-back WSOP Main Event wins, both times with a T2 combination
• He took home 10 bracelets from a total of 26 WSOP final tables
• In 1978, he published the book Super/System, which is still considered the poker bible.
• In more than 50 years in poker, he won more than 6 million dollars

His private life is not short on incredible stories either, which contains many moments that are beautifully summarized in his autobiography The Godfather of Poker. Here you can read, among other things, how Doyle beat cancer, how an insidious disease took his daughter from him, or how he retreated to the background due to his wife's illness and spent all his time by her side. The poker public is also familiar with Doyle's son Todd, who also inherited his father's poker acumen and has $4.5 million on his account, including one WSOP bracelet.