Poker Players and Celebrities Pay Tribute to Doyle Brunson

Article By Wouter Schuurbiers

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With almost ten years served in the iGaming industry Wouter Schuurbiers focuses on Poker and Sports Betting for our content and educational teams at Gambling.com.

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Last Updated: Mar 14^th, 2024

This week’s Twittertainment couldn’t be anything other than a homage to Doyle Brunson. 

The news of Brunson’s passing resonated with poker players around the world on Monday, which, in turn, led to a social media stream of condolences, comments, and video clips.

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So, in honor of a poker legend, we’ve compiled some of the best Twitter tributes to Doyle Brunson. 

The first to speak, unfortunately, was Doyle Brunson’s son, Todd. He confirmed the news on May 15, just hours before the family put out an official statement via poker agent, Brian Balsbaugh.

Poker pro Jason Koon was one of the first to reply, tweeting: “I’m so sorry. Rest in peace legend.” That was just the first of many messages from the world’s leading players. From condolences to found memories, the game’s greats paid their respects to the game’s greatest. 

Brunson’s Poker Friends Speak

Jennifer Harman knew Brunson on and off the felt. She regularly played with him at the Bellagio and, according to the internet, she dated Todd Brunson for a while. Her tweet was one of the most heartfelt.

Brunson was like family to Harman, but he was also part of the Bellagio family. 

He graced the famous Las Vegas casino with his presence for decades. In an official tweet from the Bellagio’s poker room, staff thanked him for everything and called him one of their own. 

Someone else who knew Brunson on a personal and professional level was WPT tournament director Matt Savage. The two worked together on various events over the years and, most recently, Savage got Brunson to attend the WPT World Championship for what would be one of his last public appearances.

Brunson’s impact among his contemporaries has been clear for all to see this week, but his influence stretches way beyond those he came up with. Brunson inspired countless generations, including many of today’s top players who got their starts playing poker onlinee. 

The New School Pros Salute a Poker Legend

One of the most prominent voices singing Brunson’s praises was Phil Galfond. He was, and still is, one of poker’s best players, but even he knew he was in the presence of greatness every time they played together.

WPT champion Faraz Jaka also shared his memories of Brunson. The American pro, who has more than $7 million in live earnings, was a force in online poker tournaments back in the day. 

So much so that he was chosen to be one of the now infamous Brunson 10, which was a group of 10 players chosen to rep Brunson’s (now shuttered) poker site, Doyle’s Room. 

Britain’s Liv Boeree also joined the chorus of condolences showing that Brunson’s impact was felt across the pond and, moreover, the world at large. 

“Man, a really sad day in the poker world with the passing of Doyle Brunson. The man WAS poker - the ultimate icon of the game, who likely spent more days at the felt than any other person in history. Rest in peace sir,” Boeree tweeted. 

Finally, for those who might not know why everyone in poker reveres Brunson, Joe Ingram put out a quick snapshot of the great man’s greatest achievements. 

Having famous poker players tweet about you is one thing, but when bona fide celebrities take the time to share their memories, it’s another thing altogether. Put simply, Doyle Brunson was loved by people in and out of poker. 

A Star Among Stars: Celebrities Have their Say on Doyle Brunson

American actor James Woods has been a poker fan and player for years. He not only got to know Brunson at the felt but on a personal level. His tweet shows just how kind the man known as Texas Dolly was. 

Jennifer Tilly, Hollywood actress and Women in Poker Hall of Famer, reminded us that Brunson wasn’t just an elite player but a big character. 

The tweet below is an example of just how charismatic and funny Brunson could be, even with millions of dollars on the line. 

Doyle Brunson’s passing hit the poker community hard this week, and the outpouring of love on Twitter was great to see. Even though he’s gone after 89 years, his legacy will live on in the record books and, more importantly, in the hearts and minds of poker players around the world.

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With almost ten years served in the iGaming industry Wouter Schuurbiers focuses on Poker and Sports Betting for our content and educational teams at Gambling.com.

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Wouter Schuurbiers

Last Updated:   Mar 14^th, 2024

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