Doyle Brunson, a 10-time World Series of Poker champion who helped boost the card game’s popularity, died Sunday, according to his agent Brian Balsbaugh. He was 89.
Balsbaugh posted a statement about Brunson’s death on Twitter.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Doyle Brunson plays on day three of the main event of the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas on July 11, 2013. (John Locher/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the statement read. «He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father and grandfather. We will have more to say in the coming days as we honor his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.»
Brunson was known as the «Godfather of Poker» and «Texas Dolly» during his heyday. His World Series of Poker victories are second only to Phil Helmuth’s 16 championships. He also captured world championships in 1976 and 1977 and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.
He was the first to win $1 million in poker tournaments. In his final tournament in 2018, he made the final table and finished in sixth place.
Doyle Brunson is pictured before playing at the final table of the World Series of Poker on November 8, 2011 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)
FLORIDA MAN WINS WOMEN’S POKER TOURNAMENT, FITS DEBATE ABOUT MEN’S INCLUSION IN FEMALE SPORTS EVENTS
«[C]Don’t think this day has come – you will always be high in our hearts, the man, myth, legend and THE GODFATHER of poker baby! Mr. Brunson, you made poker what it is, baby! Thank you for what you give us all, baby! RIP Mr. Doyle Brunson THE GODFATHER OF POKER,» five-time World Series of Poker winner Scotty Nguyen wrote on Twitter.
Actor James Woods also sent his condolences on Twitter.
«This is a heartbreaker. Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player that ever lived, has cashed in his chips,» Woods tweeted.
Doyle Brunson competes on day one of the World Series of Poker on July 7, 2011, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison, File)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«Doyle was very kind and helpful to me. He was courteous to my dear deceased brother and all the friends I introduced him to. A genuine gentleman and legend.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.