Remembering famous Poker players who have Deceased

Poker has seen its fair share of legends, individuals whose skill and charisma at the table have left an indelible mark on the game. Sadly, some of these iconic players are no longer with us, but their contributions to the world of poker continue to be celebrated. In this article, we pay tribute to 15 poker players who have passed away, highlighting their achievements and the legacy they left behind. Each of the players has left their legacy in their play style, wins and loses. It is interesting to consider how would they see the poker world today, many think it has changed a lot with the online poker clubs, and all the unions and platforms that have appeared. 

1. Stu Ungar (1953-1998)

   Tournament Wins: Stu Ungar, a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion (1980, 1981, 1997), was known for his exceptional skill and strategic brilliance. Unfortunately, his life was marred by personal struggles, leading to his untimely death at the age of 45.

   

2. Doyle Brunson (1933-2021)

   Tournament Wins: Doyle Brunson, often referred to as the "Godfather of Poker," won the WSOP Main Event in 1976 and 1977. A ten-time bracelet winner, Brunson made significant contributions to poker literature with his book "Super/System."

   

3. Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott (1954-2015)

   Tournament Wins: The British poker player won the WSOP bracelet in 1997 and the WPT Grand Prix de Paris in 2003. Known for his aggressive playing style, Devilfish remains a revered figure in the poker community.

   

4. Johnny Moss (1907-1995)

   Tournament Wins: Johnny Moss was the first winner of the WSOP Main Event in 1970 and claimed a total of nine WSOP bracelets in his career. Moss played a pivotal role in shaping the early landscape of competitive poker.

   

5. Chris Ferguson (1963-2022)

   Tournament Wins: Chris "Jesus" Ferguson won the WSOP Main Event in 2000 and amassed six WSOP bracelets during his career. His legacy is tarnished by his involvement in the Full Tilt Poker scandal but cannot be denied in the poker history books.

   

6. Benny Binion (1904-1989)

   Tournament Wins: While not a professional player himself, Benny Binion founded the WSOP in 1970. His impact on the poker world is immeasurable, as he created one of the most prestigious and iconic poker tournaments in history.

   

7. Amarillo Slim (1928-2012)

   Tournament Wins: Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston Jr. won the WSOP Main Event in 1972 and was known for his colorful personality. He played a crucial role in popularizing poker during its formative years.

   

8. Chip Reese (1951-2007)

   Tournament Wins: David "Chip" Reese was a highly respected cash game player and won the WSOP $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event in 2006. His skill and sportsmanship at the table continue to inspire aspiring poker players.

   

9. Barbara Enright (1964-2021)

   Tournament Wins: Barbara Enright made history as the first woman to reach the WSOP Main Event final table in 1995. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of female players.

   

10. Thor Hansen (1947-2018)

    Tournament Wins: Thor Hansen, a Norwegian poker player, won two WSOP bracelets and was a pioneer in introducing poker to Scandinavia. His contributions to the global poker community are cherished.

    

11. Brad Daugherty (1951-2020)

    Tournament Wins: Brad Daugherty was the 1991 WSOP Main Event champion and continued to be a respected figure in the poker community. His success at the tables solidified his place in poker history.

    

12. Chad Brown (1961-2014)

    Tournament Wins: Chad Brown, a former professional actor turned poker pro, won over $3 million in tournament earnings. He was known for his amiable personality and significant contributions to the poker community.

    

13. Bill Smith (1938-1996)

    Tournament Wins: Bill Smith won the WSOP Main Event in 1985, showcasing his poker prowess. His legacy lives on as one of the champions who mastered the ever-evolving game.

    

14. Jerry Yang (1967-)

    Tournament Wins: While Jerry Yang is still alive, his WSOP Main Event victory in 2007 deserves mention. His rags-to-riches story and charitable endeavors after winning the bracelet showcase the positive impact poker can have on individuals and communities.

    

Conclusion:

These poker players may no longer be with us, but their legacies endure through the memories of their victories, the impact they had on the poker community, and the inspiration they provided to countless players around the world. As we celebrate their achievements, we remember the mark each one left on the rich tapestry of poker history.