Doyle Brunson Gets Lifetime Honor From Epic Poker League

According to Epic Poker, “Based on the success and longevity of Brunson’s career, in addition to his ambassadorship and many contributions to the sport of poker,” the league granted him a Lifetime Membership, which guarantees his entrance into all future Epic Poker League events.

“Doyle Brunson epitomizes excellence and class in poker and we’re honored to award him with the league’s first lifetime membership,” Annie Duke, commissioner of the Epic Poker League, said in a statement. “There is no better player or person to receive a Lifetime Card and we look forward to welcoming Doyle to many future Epic Poker events.”

Brunson, 78, began playing poker in his 20s. He was the first player to earn $1 million in poker tournaments, and has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets. The Poker Hall of Fame inductee also is the author of several books on poker.

A special ceremony was held for Brunson Prior to the kickoff of EPL’s third live tournament Dec, 14 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. There, Brunson received his Lifetime Membership, a special gold and sapphire ring and witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative pennant that will hang in the Epic Poker “Hall of Champions.”

“I gladly accept this lifetime membership card,” said Brunson. “Epic Poker is taking our game to the next level and I’m honored to be part of this league and think every player should support it. It is humbling to be recognized as a pioneer in this incredible game and it has been my life-long passion to help take poker to the highest level possible.”

Epic Poker League, under the auspices of  Federated Sports + Gaming, which is headed by Jeffrey Pollack (pictured with Duke and Brunson), is in its inaugural season of play. It includes four rake-free $20,000 Main Events, each with $400,000 in added money, and a $1,000,000 free-roll Championship Event for the top 27 players in the League.

A complete roster for players that have qualified for Season One of the league and other EPL information can be found on the Epic Poker Web site.