Doyle Brunson is dead. On Monday night, Daniel Negreanu posted the news on social media that made almost the entire poker world bow their heads in respect. The man who is considered the “godfather of poker” has said thank you.

Brunson was 89 years old.

The family announced the death on Sunday, writes VG.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our father has passed away, writes the family, which has been forwarded by Brunson’s agent.

Brunson won ten World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments, including two wins in the main event, which is the most prestigious competition in poker. The first time Brunson won a WSOP tournament was in 1976, the last time was in 2005.

VG writes that Brunson collected over 6 million dollars in prize money during his career. But they don’t mention that it was cash games where he really dominated. How much he won from this is unknown, but he played at a sky-high level, even after he turned 80.

Poker.no writes:

The 89-year-old had the same international status as our own Thor Hansen had here at home in Norway, as the “godfather” of poker. Over several decades, right up to the last, he built up a unique reputation and position through major tournament triumphs and big wins in the highest cash games that are played.

When I started playing poker, Brunson’s books Super System 1 and 2 were the first ones I read. Here, Brunson explained why an aggressive playing style was profitable in the long term, something I followed up on in my time as a poker player.

Brunson was a polite, pleasant man with a good sense of humour. Some examples follow.

I want to thank all the players who lost money in Bobby’s Room this summer. This new Escalade is from their generosity. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8tCRi2hw2G

— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) August 26, 2018

Twelve years ago I swapped money in Europe for money in Vegas with Ivey.

Arriving at the WSOP I walked up to Ivey, who immediately asks ‘Wait do I owe you? Hoiw much?’.

‘$25k’, I reply. Ivey looks around and sees Doyle driving by on his scooter. ‘Doyle, do you have cash on…

— Lex Veldhuis (@LexVeldhuis) May 15, 2023

I was in the hall in Las Vegas during the WSOP (World Series of Poker) once, maybe it was in 2005 (can’t quite remember). There were thousands of people in the room, then suddenly an electric wheelchair rolled in among the tables, with Doyle Brunson. The whole hall dropped their cards and stood up, clapping and cheering.

In the same year, I also visited Thor Hansen’s home, where all Norwegian poker players in the WSOP were invited to a barbecue. He charmed my wife to death, he was a wonderful guy who was loved by all in Norwegian poker. Hansen died in 2018 after a long battle with cancer.

Even Phil Hellmuth admits that “Texas Dolly” was the greatest.

Poker lost its biggest Legend today: @TexDolly. He inspired 3 generations of poker players w his play, his award winning book “Super System,” and his fabulous style and grit. Doyle always played hard: the man absolutely hated losing!! Doyle ruled the high stakes cash games in Las… pic.twitter.com/L4CKzvzbIF

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) May 15, 2023

An era is over, a legend is dead. But his books are still safely on my shelf.