WSOP Helps Pay Tribute to Doyle Brunson in Las Vegas

Last updated on July 9th, 2023

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The absence of Doyle Brunson from the 2023 World Series of Poker has been palpable. The “Godfather of Poker” died suddenly on May 14, little more than two weeks before the start of the WSOP.

Brunson may not have played any live events at the WSOP. He semi-retired from tournaments in the summer of 2018, choosing instead to play cash games when not focusing mostly on his wife and family. His lifelong passion for the game may have drawn him to the 2023 WSOP Main Event to be a part of the historically-large field. He might have played the WSOP Hall of Fame Bounty tournament toward the end of the series to play alongside fellow members of the Poker Hall of Fame and welcome a new member.

Instead, players knew that they would not see him this year. A large banner stands near the main entrance to the WSOP tournament area near the Paris ballrooms, showing a smiling Brunson holding a winning hand.

The first summer of the World Series without the possibility of a Doyle Brunson sighting was going to be touched by a bit of sadness for even the most casual poker player or fan.

Tributes Upon Tributes

As soon as news of Brunson’s passing spread across the internet on May 14, tributes flooded social media platforms.

https://youtu.be/DsiD5HdilI0

When the 2023 WSOP kicked off in the Paris ballroom area on May 30, the room of players, media, and staff quieted to watch a video tribute on the television screens.

Today, WSOP paid tribute to the Godfather of Poker, Doyle Brunson pic.twitter.com/vPO8IBD51m
— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) May 31, 2023

As the World Series played on, players tried to win – some were successful – with Brunson’s favorite hand of 10-2. People told stories and shared memories at and around the tables. And son Todd Brunson joined the WSOP action after a private funeral for his father. The younger Brunson wasted no time bringing his own signature flair to the WSOP.

Very first hand this kid drew one and tried to beat my made hand with #3. So I showed him a wheel and incinerated his face for him. Free of charge. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vhX9aRetIE
— Todd Brunson (@ToddBrunson) June 15, 2023

Public Celebration of Life

The World Series of Poker coordinated with family and friends of the late legend and announced a celebration of Doyle Brunson’s life. They hosted it at the Jubilee Theater at Horseshoe Las Vegas on July 2, with seating open to the public.

Approximately 150 people lined up before the doors opened on July 2, and more filled the theater as it began. Brunson’s agent and longtime friend, Brian Balsbaugh, was the first to welcome everyone to the celebration, quoting Hunter S. Thompson and sharing memories.

Friends and colleagues like Dewey Tomko, Lyle Berman, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Mori Eskandani, and Gabe Kaplan spoke.

At Doyle Brunson’s celebration and Gabe Kaplan had some great stories!♣️♥️🖤@Kevmath @ToddBrunson @TexDolly @LasVegasLocally pic.twitter.com/HpC44plxdM
— HippyTravelingGuy 💚🤍 (@HippyPokerGuy) July 2, 2023

Todd Brunson wrapped it all with his own memories of childhood through Las Vegas life, of family and poker, and of the community. But he couldn’t refrain from taking a few light-hearted jabs at other speakers, easing the mood with a little laughter that his father would have appreciated.

During the Doyle Brunson Memorial today @ToddBrunson had some lighthearted banter towards @phil_hellmuth and @RealKidPoker pic.twitter.com/UkPv5QWNqv
— PokerNews (@PokerNews) July 3, 2023

Everyone in attendance departed with a specially-produced deck of cards filled with tens and deuces, each one featuring a different quote or phrase from Brunson.