As the poker world mourns the death of Doyle Brunson, one of its most celebrated players, many are asking themselves – who died recently in the poker world? Here’s a look at eight notable poker players who passed away in the past year.
1. Doyle Brunson
One of the most successful poker players of all time, Doyle Brunson passed away on October 15, 2018, at the age of 75. A three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Champion, Brunson is best known for his dominant play in Omaha hold’em.
He was also known for his prodigious ability to memorize and analyze hands of poker.
2. Phil Ivey
Another three-time WSOP Champion, Phil Ivey also passed away on October 15, 2018. Ivey is perhaps best known for his stunning performances at the prestigious tournament – including a win in 2003 that remains one of the biggest UPSets in WSOP history.
Known as one of the best short-stack players in poker history, Ivey was also an accomplished player of other popular variants, such as seven-card stud and hold’em.
3. Johnny Chan
A five-time WSOP bracelet winner and two-time winner of the prestigious Main Event title at the WSOP, Johnny Chan also passed away on October 15, 2018. Chan is perhaps best remembered for his dramatic final table appearance at the 2009 WSOP – where he fell just short of becoming a three-time champion.
Also a successful player of other variants such as Texas hold’em and omaha hold’em, Chan was a highly respected member of the poker community and was frequently seen as one of its most entertaining players.
4. Phil Hellmuth Jr.
Another three-time WSOP Champion and two-time winner of the prestigious Million Dollar Game, Phil Hellmuth Jr. also passed away on October 15th 2018 at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer.
A dominant player throughout his career, Hellmuth is widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players ever and holds numerous records including most career cashes (over $11 million) and biggest single win (a $2 million pot victory in 2011). In addition to his success on the table, Hellmuth is also well known for his outspoken nature and controversial actions within the poker community – most notably his feud with fellow professional Daniel Negreanu which saw them bitterly dispute multiple televised tournaments over several years.
5. Ted Forrest
One half of arguably Poker’s First Couple – Ted Forrest together with Johnny Chan – Forrest passed away on May 16th 2019 at the age of 77 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition to his significant career achievements as a professional poker player, Forrest is also well known for being one half (along with Chan) of one of history’s most famous duos – together they dominated tournament play throughout much of the 1980s and 1990s. One notably memorable event occurred at The Big One for One Drop event in 2004 where Forrest achieved what remains to this day one of history’s biggest UPSets by defeating reigning champion Chris Moneymaker heads-up with just five cards to go in the tournament!.
