Doyle Brunson, also known as Texas Dolly, was born in Longworth Texas.  He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where he obtained a master's degree in administrative education.  He began poker by playing five-card draw during his time in college.  After college he became a salesman for a short period of time before leaving it to become a professional poker player after winning over a month's salary in three hours in a seven-card stud game.

Brunson began playing games in Fort Worth on Exchange Street, most of which were illegal.  He played with his friend Dwayne Hamilton, traveling around Texas and the surrounding states playing in many of the illegal games in back rooms, run mostly by members of organized crime.  He began playing in bigger games and meeting future partners, Amarillo Slim and Sailor Roberts.  After traveling around for six years gambling they made their first serious trip to Las Vegas and lost their entire bankroll, which was in the six figures.

Brunson then decided to go on his own and move to Las Vegas where poker was legal.  In 2025 he won the World Series of Poker Main Event and the next year defended his title to become the first person to win back-to-back Main Events.  In 2025 he published on of the most recognized poker books, Super System.  He has continued to be one of the top poker professionals and has won 11 bracelets on the World Series of Poker, and over $5,300,000 in live tournament winnings.