Todd Brunson

Todd Brunson, also known as “Darkhorse,” is an American professional poker player based in El Paso, Texas. Born on August 7th, 1969, in Rollins, Montana. He has amassed nearly $5 million in live tournament earnings. Notably, he won a WSOP bracelet at the 36th WSOP held in Las Vegas in June 2005. His largest live cash of $500,000 came from winning the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament Season 2 in Cabazon. In 2016, Todd Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

The son of the late great Doyle Brunson, a legendary professional poker player, Todd co-authored the highly influential poker strategy book Super System 2 with his father. Additionally, Todd was sponsored by DoylesRoom.com, an online poker site launched in 2004 and acquired by ACR Poker in 2011, which has since been discontinued. He has also appeared on High Stakes Poker.

Todd Brunson: Early Life

Born on August 7th, 1969, in Rollins, Montana, Todd Brunson came from a family deeply involved in professional poker. His father, Doyle Brunson, was a major figure in the poker world, achieving significant success. Despite this background, Todd was not initially drawn to the game of poker. During his school years, Todd excelled academically, demonstrating a keen passion for learning. He graduated with honors from Coronado High School and secured a scholarship to Texas Tech University.

However, when his parents moved to Las Vegas, where Doyle Brunson intended to focus more on poker, Todd found himself alone in Texas. This move prompted Todd to reconsider his own life goals and priorities. He started questioning whether finishing college was the right move for him. Eventually, he decided to leave university in his final year and set out to find his identity in the poker world.

Todd Brunson: Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Todd Brunson debuted on January 30th, 2006, in HSP Season 1 Episode 3. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with his late father Doyle Brunson, Barry Greenstein, Jennifer Harman, and others. Brunson ended the night up $34,800.

He experienced his biggest loss in HSP Season 2 Episode 7 on July 18th, 2006. Brunson dropped a staggering $129,800 after sitting down with Daniel Negreanu, Sam Farha, Fred Chamanara, and others. They played a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game.

Todd achieved his best live cash on March 4th, 2007, during HSP Season 3 Episode 8. He played in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game. He was seated with Phil Laak, Paul Wasicka, Eli Elezra, and others. Brunson emerged victorious, claiming $72,000 in winnings.

His most recent appearance was in HSP Season 4 Episode 3, on September 7th, 2007. He competed in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game alongside Mike Baxter, Mike Matusow, Bob Safai, and others. Brunson incurred a $4,700 loss.

Todd Brunson: Live Tournament Participation

Todd Brunson’s poker career began with his first live cash in March 1990 at the Manx Classic in Douglas. He finished as the runner-up in a Pot-Limit Hold’em event, earning $3,295. In June 2005, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the $2,500 Omaha Hi/Lo event at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. He took 1st place, received $255,945 in prize money, and earned a coveted WSOP gold bracelet.

Moving forward in February 2006, he achieved his best live cash at the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament Season 2 in Cabazon. He won the Quarter Finalists Invitational Freeroll and took home $500,000. Most recently, in July 2024, Brunson participated in a $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship event at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 617th place and cashed for $30,000.

Conclusion

Todd Brunson has made a name for himself in poker, shining brightly even with his father Doyle Brunson’s legendary shadow. His achievements, including a WSOP bracelet and a big win at the Poker Superstars Invitational, highlight his own skill and hard work. Todd has also co-authored a key poker book and earned a place in the Poker Hall of Fame, proving his success is all his own.