With poker tournament namesake, Brunson’s legend grows

Those lucky enough to know Doyle Brunson have appreciated his status as a poker legend for many years. More than any other player, Brunson had come to represent the best image of the new world of poker.

So I guess it was only natural that one day there would be a Doyle Brunson Classic poker tournament. Las Vegan Daniel Alaei took home the first title and $1.428 million at the Bellagio.

The event’s promoters are onto something, in my opinion. While it would be difficult to ever match the success of the World Series of Poker, Brunson is a throwback who manages to compete at the highest levels today. He’s also one of the nicest men to ever cut a deck of cards.