Stu Ungar

Stuart Errol Ungar was born on September 8, 1953, in Manhattan, New York, to Jewish parents Isidore and Faye Ungar. His father ran a bar and social club that doubled as a gambling establishment, exposing Stu to card games from a young age. Despite his father's efforts to keep him away from gambling, Stu quickly excelled at gin rummy, winning a local tournament at age 10. He dropped out of school in tenth grade to play full-time, supporting his mother and sister after his father's death in 1967.

Ungar dominated the New York gin scene, earning a reputation as the greatest gin player of his generation. He famously defeated renowned player Harry "Yonkie" Stein 86 games to none in Hollywood Gin. After moving to Las Vegas in 1977, Ungar transitioned to poker as gin action dried up due to his unmatched skill.

Ungar entered his first Texas hold 'em tournament at the 1980 WSOP Main Event, despite having never played the game before. He learned rapidly, defeating Doyle Brunson heads-up to win the title. He repeated as champion in 1981, becoming one of only four players to win consecutive WSOP Main Events. His third Main Event victory came in 1997, completing a remarkable comeback after years of personal struggles. In total, Ungar won five WSOP bracelets, including events in 2-7 Draw (1981) and Seven Card Stud (1983).

Ungar was known for his photographic memory, mathematical genius, and aggressive, unpredictable play. He could calculate odds instantly and read opponents with uncanny accuracy. His arrogance and blunt criticism of opponents were legendary. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2001. Ungar passed away on November 22, 1998, at age 45, but his legacy as one of poker's greatest talents endures.