Latest Poker News Doyle Brunson, Age 83, Plans to Play in World Series of Poker 2017

By Jon Sofen 3 Min read

Doyle Brunson has made an announcement on Twitter that will make many in the poker community happy. ‘Texas Dolly,’ one of the greatest poker players of all time, subtly (and then not-so-subtly) told the world he’s coming to the Rio in Las Vegas this summer to chase his 11th gold bracelet.

At this time last year, prior to the start of the World Series of Poker, two former top pros were rumored to be planning WSOP returns for the first time since 2010. Those players, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson and Howard Lederer, did show up and neither were exactly welcomed with open arms.

Brunson is one of the most revered poker players in history. On the other hand, Lederer and Ferguson are two of the most reviled men in the game. They were greeted with boos and insults when they entered the Rio last year.

Food for Thought

Word got out about Doyle considering a return to the Series for the first time since 2013 on Twitter. Maria Ho posted a comment that had nothing to do with poker, and it turned into Brunson spilling the beans.

“When you order so much food from room service and they ask how many are dining and you just blurt out “4” but it’s actually all for you,” she wrote. “Chip Reese and I used to do that all the time. We would holler out “food is here guys.” Hope you are allowed to say hello to me at WSOP,” Brunson responded.

Did the poker legend just hint at a return to the World Series of Poker? Poker writer Will Shillibier popped the question, and Doyle was a bit less subtle in his follow-up comment.

“I actually am thinking about playing all the 10k events. Depends on my wife’s health issues,” he responded.

So, there you have it, Doyle Brunson, a two-time Main Event champion and Poker Hall of Famer, is planning a triumphant return to the WSOP. We all hope that he and his wife of 54 years, Louise, stay healthy, of course.

Accolades Galore

Doyle is tied with Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey for second on the all-time champions list with 10 career WSOP bracelets. Only Phil Hellmuth has more (14).

Brunson isn’t the only Hall of Famer in his family, either. His son, Todd, was inducted in 2016. Doyle has more than $6 million in live tournament winnings, including Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977.

He became the first to reach double-digit bracelets in 2005, after winning a $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em event. Due to health reasons, Brunson hasn’t played many tournaments in recent years. But he’s still a regular grinder in Bobby’s Room high stakes cash games at the Bellagio, and is undoubtedly one of the most recognized faces in poker.

Written by Jon Sofen Semi-pro poker player with 17 years experience on the felt and more than five years working as professional poker media.

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