On June 15, 2021, the legendary godfather of poker Doyle Brunson announced on his Twitter account that he would return on selected events during the 2021 World Series of Poker. Usually, this event runs from late May to mid-July. But, it was moved to this fall, running from late September to mid-November.
On Sunday, Doyle made true his words by arriving for Event#58: $1,000 Super Seniors No-Limit Hold’em. His presence immediately drew attention, some thinking it was just someone dressed up as Doyle for Halloween.
Bruson sat in the packed room, greeted other players at the table, and looked at his WSOP poker cards for the first time in three years. Unfortunately, he did not stay long as he did during his last game in 2018.
Flashback on Bruson’s Previous WSOP Event in 2018
The last time Bruson played a WSOP event was in 2018, event #23: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship. The Poker Hall of Famer was convinced to play by his son Todd Bruson a day before that event, which turned out to be a good decision. Nick-named as “Texas Dolly,” Doyle had not competed in a WSOP event for years.
His return at that time created a buzz at Rio. Moreover, he proved he could play a high-level game and reach the final table. Doyle also won $43,965 after taking sixth place in that event.
This was a significant win because Bruson had not won a WSOP Cash since 2013. He left the game on a high note after making it to the final table during 2018’s WSOP event.
Brunson is one of the three players who made it to the final table for the five decades WSOP has existed. The other players are Jim Bechtel and Perry Green.
Health Contributed To Bruson Retirement After 2018
Brunson’s leave from the poker world did not come as a surprise. For starters, he had not played at the WSOP events several years prior. In fact, he only played the event #23: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship after his son convinced him.
Another reason that could have led to the break from poker was the hassle Brunson has to go through to enter an event. Considering Rio Convention Center is a huge facility, Brunson has to use a cart to cover long distances. This is because he had a workplace injury many years ago that ended his professional basketball career.
Brunson has also battled cancer four times. He also wanted to spend time with his wife, Louise. But, he kept playing cash games occasionally until the COVID-19 hit the country in March 2020, when he decided to slow down.
Is Doyle Returning From the Short Break?
When Doyle left the final table of the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship, many assumed it was the last time he would contest in the WSOP. Now, the 88-year-old has returned to take a shot at his eleventh bracelet.
The 10-times bracelet winner and two-time Main Event winner returned to a field he once dominated alongside Mori Eskandani, who is also a Poker Hall of Famer and President of PokerGO.
Unfortunately, Doyle lasted about an hour. He busted out under the hand of Jana Vondach. But, Doyle delighted fans for just appearing for the event.
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