Todd Brunson

Todd Alan Brunson was born on August 7, 1969, in Rollins, Montana, and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He is the son of poker legend Doyle Brunson. Despite his father's fame, Doyle did not teach Todd how to play; Todd learned on his own while studying law at Texas Tech University. He eventually dropped out to pursue poker professionally, quickly making a name for himself in both tournaments and cash games.

Todd's first WSOP cash came in 1992, appearing in two events. In 1993, he won $198,000 by taking down the Jim Brady Month Championship Event. The following year, he won another six figures in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Hall of Fame Poker Classic. After a quiet period, he finished second to Ronnie Williams in the 2000 Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica for nearly $120,000, a final table that included Allen Kessler, Manny Minaya, and Allyn Jaffrey Shulman. That same year, he made two more WSOP final tables (eighth and sixth place) for over $140,000 combined, and finished runner-up in the Poker Superstars Invitational Grand Final for $140,000.

In 2005, Todd won his first and only WSOP bracelet in the $2,500 Omaha Hi-Lo event, earning $255,945. Notably, his father Doyle also won a bracelet that year, making them the first father-son duo to win bracelets in the same year. To kick off 2006, Todd won $500,000 at the Quarter Finalists Freeroll of the Poker Superstars Invitational and later won the Grand Final for the second consecutive year, earning another $400,000. In 2007, he cashed in six WSOP events, with a best finish of seventh place for over $50,000. His most recent notable result is a third-place finish in the 2026 WSOP $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship for $203,242. As of 2026, his total live tournament earnings exceed $5.4 million, with 145 cashes and 18 WSOP final tables.

Much like his father, Todd is renowned for his cash game prowess. He is a regular in the highest-stakes games in Las Vegas, including the legendary Bobby's Room. In 2015, he famously won $5 million from banker Andy Beal in a high-stakes heads-up match, highlighting his ability to compete against the world's best. Todd is considered one of the top mixed-game players globally, particularly in Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo, and his balanced, patient style emphasizes post-flop play and reading opponents.

In 2016, Todd Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the game's greats. He holds one WSOP bracelet and has cashed in 85 WSOP events, with over $2.5 million in WSOP winnings alone. Off the felt, Todd contributed to poker literature by writing the seven-card stud hi-lo section in his father's book Super/System 2 and also contributed to Daniel Negreanu's books. His stories are featured in The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King. Despite his father's shadow, Todd has built a lasting legacy through his own achievements and respected playing style.

Todd Brunson is widely regarded as one of the best mixed-game players in the world, excelling in Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo. His style is characterized by discipline, patience, and adaptability. He relies heavily on reading opponents and making strong post-flop decisions. This approach has made him a formidable opponent in both tournament settings and high-stakes cash games.

Todd continues to be active in the poker world, regularly appearing in high-stakes cash games and WSOP events. As of July 2026, his latest cash was $325,000. He remains a respected figure in the poker community, known for his calm demeanor and sharp skills. Beyond poker, Todd enjoys a relatively private life, but his contributions to the game—both as a player and author—ensure his place in poker history.