History of Doyle Brunson in Timeline
"Doyle Brunson, an American poker legend, had a career spanning over six decades. He achieved the remarkable feat of winning the World Series of Poker Main Event twice and was recognized for his contributions to the game with an induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. Beyond his playing, Brunson authored influential books on poker strategy, further cementing his legacy in the game."
August 10, 1933: Birth of Doyle Brunson
Doyle Frank Brunson was born on August 10, 1933, in Longworth, Texas.
1950: Brunson Excels in Athletics in High School
Doyle Brunson showcased his athletic prowess in 1950 at Sweetwater High School by winning the one-mile event at the Texas Interscholastic Track Meet with an impressive time of 4:43.
1954: Brunson Earns Bachelor's Degree
Doyle Brunson graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1954.
1959: Brunson Meets Future Wife, Louise
Doyle Brunson met his future wife, Louise, in 1959.
August 1962: Brunson Marries Louise
Doyle Brunson married Louise in August 1962.
1970: Brunson Starts Playing in the World Series of Poker
Doyle Brunson began his World Series of Poker journey in 1970, marking the start of a legendary career at the prestigious tournament.
1972: Brunson Places 3rd in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson achieved a top-three finish in the 1972 World Series of Poker Main Event, showcasing his early potential as a formidable player.
1975: Brunson's Daughter Doyla Diagnosed with Scoliosis
In 1975, Doyle Brunson's daughter, Doyla, was diagnosed with scoliosis. Despite the diagnosis, her spine straightened completely within three months.
1976: First World Series of Poker Main Event Victory
Doyle Brunson achieved a historic victory in 1976 by winning his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event title.
1976: The "Ten-Deuce" Hand Named After Brunson
The "Ten-Deuce" hand in Texas Hold'em became synonymous with Doyle Brunson after he used it to win the No Limit Hold 'Em event at the World Series of Poker two years in a row (1976 and 1977). This unlikely hand, which he used to complete a full house as an underdog in both final hands, became a part of poker lore.
1977: Second Consecutive World Series of Poker Main Event Win
Doyle Brunson solidified his poker legacy in 1977 by winning his second consecutive World Series of Poker Main Event, a feat rarely achieved in the history of the tournament.
1977: The "Ten-Deuce" Hand Named After Brunson
The "Ten-Deuce" hand in Texas Hold'em became synonymous with Doyle Brunson after he used it to win the No Limit Hold 'Em event at the World Series of Poker two years in a row (1976 and 1977). This unlikely hand, which he used to complete a full house as an underdog in both final hands, became a part of poker lore.
1978: Publication of "Super/System"
Doyle Brunson revolutionized the poker world in 1978 with the publication of his seminal book, "Super/System." The book provided unprecedented insights into professional poker strategies and became a must-read for aspiring players.
1980: Runner-Up to Stu Ungar in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson finished as the runner-up to Stu Ungar in the 1980 World Series of Poker Main Event, adding another impressive accomplishment to his poker resume.
1982: Brunson Secures 4th Place in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson secured a strong 4th place finish in the 1982 World Series of Poker Main Event, further solidifying his consistent performance in the tournament.
1983: Another Top-Three Finish for Brunson in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson continued his impressive streak in the World Series of Poker Main Event with another top-three finish, securing 3rd place in 1983.
1984: Publication of "Poker Wisdom of a Champion"
Doyle Brunson shared his extensive poker knowledge and experiences with the publication of "Poker Wisdom of a Champion" in 1984, originally titled "According to Doyle."
1997: Brunson Finishes 16th in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson achieved a commendable 16th place finish in the 1997 World Series of Poker Main Event, demonstrating his enduring skills and competitiveness.
2003: Brunson Wins Ninth WSOP Bracelet
Doyle Brunson further cemented his poker legacy in 2003 by winning his ninth World Series of Poker gold bracelet in a mixed games event, demonstrating his versatility and mastery across different poker variations.
2004: Release of "Super/System 2"
Doyle Brunson updated his influential poker strategy guide with the release of "Super/System 2" in 2004, incorporating contemporary insights and strategies for a new generation of players.
2004: Brunson Places 53rd in WSOP Main Event
Doyle Brunson finished 53rd in the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event, showcasing his longevity and ability to compete at a high level.
2004: Doyles Room Established
Doyle Brunson launched his online poker platform, Doyles Room, in 2004. This venture reflected his influence in the poker world and capitalized on the growing popularity of online poker.
2004: Brunson Wins Legends of Poker World Poker Tour Event
Doyle Brunson added another significant title to his poker accolades in 2004 by winning the Legends of Poker World Poker Tour (WPT) event, earning a $1.1 million prize and solidifying his status as a top player in multiple poker formats.
July 1, 2005: Brunson Ties Record for Most WSOP Bracelets
On July 1, 2005, Doyle Brunson made history by winning his tenth World Series of Poker gold bracelet, tying the record set by Johnny Chan just a week earlier. This victory cemented his place among poker's all-time greats.
July 2005: Doyle Brunson's Offer to Buy WPT Enterprises
In July 2005, Doyle Brunson proposed to purchase WPT Enterprises at a price significantly exceeding its market value. This unsolicited offer, which Brunson later withdrew from, raised concerns about potential market manipulation and triggered an investigation by the SEC.
December 14, 2005: SEC Files Action Against Doyle Brunson
On December 14, 2005, the SEC took legal action against Doyle Brunson, pursuing his attorneys for information about an offer he made to buy WPT Enterprises. The SEC alleged that the offer's announcement, followed by Brunson's withdrawal and lack of transparency, manipulated the WPT's stock price, causing significant losses for investors.
2005: Doyle and Todd Brunson Become First Father-Son WSOP Bracelet Winners
Doyle Brunson and his son, Todd, made poker history in 2005 when Todd won a bracelet in the $2,500 Omaha Hi-Lo event at the World Series of Poker. This victory marked the first time a father and son had both won World Series bracelets.
January 2006: Brunson Named Most Influential Force in Poker
In January 2006, Bluff magazine recognized Doyle Brunson's significant impact on the world of poker by voting him the most influential force in the game.
2007: Pamela Brunson Plays in WSOP
Doyle Brunson's daughter, Pamela, participated in the 2007 World Series of Poker, continuing the family's legacy in the game and even outlasting her brother Todd in the tournament.
2007: Doyles Room Moves to Microgaming Poker Network
In 2007, Doyles Room migrated from the Tribeca Poker Network to the Microgaming Poker Network. This strategic decision aimed to leverage Microgaming's established presence in the online gambling industry.
2007: SEC Drops Case Against Doyle Brunson
In 2007, the SEC dropped its case against Doyle Brunson, which was related to his 2005 offer to buy WPT Enterprises. Brunson had invoked his Fifth Amendment right and declined to testify during the investigation.
January 2009: Doyles Room Moves to Cake Poker Network
In January 2009, Doyles Room, the online poker platform associated with Doyle Brunson, transitioned to the Cake Poker Network. This marked another shift for the platform as it navigated the evolving online poker landscape.
January 2011: Doyles Room Joins Yatahay Network
Doyles Room, the online poker room, switched to the Yatahay Network in January 2011. This move came after its previous associations with Tribeca Poker Network, Microgaming Poker Network, and Cake Poker Network.
May 26, 2011: Doyles Room Seized
On May 26, 2011, authorities seized Doyles Room as part of an investigation into potential violations of online gambling laws. This event had significant implications for the online poker industry and led to Brunson severing ties with the platform.
October 2011: Americas Cardroom Acquires Doyles Room
Following its seizure earlier in the year, Doyles Room was acquired by Americas Cardroom in October 2011. This marked the end of an era for the platform originally associated with Doyle Brunson.
2013: Brunson Cashes in WSOP Main Event, Spanning Five Decades
Doyle Brunson achieved a remarkable feat by cashing in the 2013 World Series of Poker $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Championship event, marking the fifth decade in which he had cashed in the prestigious tournament.
2013: Brunson Cashes in WSOP Main Event, Spanning Five Decades
Doyle Brunson achieved a remarkable feat by cashing in the 2013 World Series of Poker $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Championship event, marking the fifth decade in which he had cashed in the prestigious tournament.
June 11, 2018: Brunson Announces Retirement from Tournament Poker
On June 11, 2018, Doyle Brunson announced his retirement from tournament poker, marking the end of an era for the poker legend. He participated in the $10,000 2–7 Single Draw at the 2018 WSOP on the same day and finished in sixth place.
2021: Brunson Participates in WSOP Master of Ceremonies Invitational
Doyle Brunson made a special appearance in the 2021 World Series of Poker by coming out of retirement to participate in the No-Limit Hold-Em Master of Ceremonies Invitational, finishing in 5th place.
May 14, 2023: Death of Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson passed away on May 14, 2023, after a long and illustrious career in poker.
2023: Brunson's Live Tournament Winnings Exceed $6 Million
By 2023, Doyle Brunson's total live tournament winnings surpassed $6,100,000, a testament to his long and successful poker career.