Earlier in the summer Brunson Tweeted that he simply couldn’t do the long hours anymore and would be skipping the 2013 WSOP, sticking instead to lucrative cash games.
Apparently the 79-year-old Brunson has enough left in the tank for at least the $50,000 Players Championship. Brunson was all smiles when the event began at 5 p.m. today.
Brunson is not only playing the event but is betting big on his performance in what some call the ultimate test for a poker player. It might not be the worst idea as Brunson final tabled this event in 2006.
Time closing in on the 50k. I've got so many bets my head is spinning. These young guys evidently think I can't compete.#wewillseeCHIPREESE
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) June 30, 2013Total 28 bets.Not as high as it seems. Total of 800k. Seems like a lot, but bets are to cash, final table, win.#lotsofactionforasickolikeme
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) June 30, 2013If I lose (and I'm a fav to lose) I will lose between 80K-140k. But if I win, I could win up to 800k maximum. Hoping to at least cash.#gulp
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) June 30, 2013Brunson is one of the last remaining vestiges of poker’s backroom beginnings where he Amarillo Slim and Sailor Roberts toured across America playing in numerous illegal games.
He’s one also one of the most decorated players to play in the WSOP with 10 bracelets, which ties him with Johnny Chan. The only player who has a better record is Phil Hellmuth with 13 bracelets.
We’re focusing entirely on Doyle Brunson in our $50k Players Championship live coverage today so be sure to follow along as the Texas Dolly goes for one more bracelet. Brunson is starting at a table that also features cash-game regulars Jennifer Harman and David Oppenheim.
Here are some photos of Brunson at the start of the tournament:
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