Doyle Brunson

While Doyle Brunson is still one of the major forces in the game, even Doyle might admit that he isn't the player he used to be. One of only four men to win back to back titles, time and the younger generation had crept up on him.

Still, the legend continues to play. He continued to take on all comers during the 2004 Main Event, personally knocking out many, most notably Howard Lederer. He drove on, through the pain that was evident from the crutches he carried with him and through the long days and nights that the World Series Main Event demands of a player.

He battled to a 53rd place finish in the huge field, but what was most memorable was the standing ovation for the man who has made poker his life upon his elimination. With a tip of his hat, Doyle shuffled off to another game. It is with great anticipation that we see the Godfather of Poker put his stamp on the World Series many more times!

Born August 10, 1933, in the midst of the Depression in Longworth, Texas, the man who later would become known as "Texas Dolly" was just another farm boy in a town of 100. Early on, Brunson found a niche in athletics. After winning the Texas State Championship in the mile run and landing a spot on the all-state basketball team, Brunson was fielding offers of athletic scholarships from colleges across the United States. In the end, he chose Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene because it was only 40 miles from his hometown.

There, he studied education and was drafted by the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers. Though a knee injury - which persists to this day - sidelined Brunson's career as a professional athlete, he completed his studies and graduated from university with an MBA in administrative education.

Success at the tables and legendary status haven't kept Brunson from expanding his horizons as well. He owns and endorses an online gaming site, DoylesRoom.com, which made headlines in 2006 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced it was investigating the operation.