Stu Ungar - 3 time WSOP Champion
Stu is perhaps the most tragic figure in the history of professional poker, fulfilling only a fraction of his potential. That being said, Stu still won the World Series of Poker's main even on three seperate occasions, 1980, 1981 and 1997. His mastery of the game of Texas Hold'em though was secondary to his prowless as a Gin Rummy player. Blessed with a photographic memory, Ungar could remember every card in a six-deck pack. But Stu also had to fight a dark side, one that eventually took his life in 1998, as he fought the grip of drug addiciton.
Stu Ungar became the youngest winner of the WSOP main event in 1980, taking home $385,000 for the grand prize. He would repeat in 1981. He is the only person to win the main event at the World Series of Poker final table on three seperate occasions (Johnny Moss' victory in 1970 was via popular vote). But the one opponent that Stu Ungar could not overcome was cocaine, as his addiction to the drug had caused this brilliant poker player to fight personal and financial ruin on several occasions. Divorced from his wife Madeline in 1985, and going from millionaire to broke on 4 seperate occasions, Stu Ungar' life was a constant rollercoaster ride.
Throughout it all, Ungar is revered by many of the poker greats as one of the finest players to every step up to the table. The fact that his rampant drug addiction did not cripple the man's obvious mental abilities is a miracle. In 1998, Stu Ungar was suppose to defend his WSOP No-Limit title, but was a no-show to the event. Again caught by the addiction of drugs, Stu had lost all his money from the previous years' WSOP grand prize. 8 months later, Stu Ungar would be found dead in a hotel room, with traces of cocaine in his system. Although it was not an overdose the finally took this legendary poker player, the years of abuse had finally taken their toll, and Stu's heart finally gave in to years of drug abuse.
Stu Ungar is one of the greatest poker players of all time, and many regard him as the worlds greatest Gin Rummy player. But this tragic figure will be remember as much for his life away from the poker table. But no one can deny that the game of poker is a much richer place because of Stu Ungar, and his absence is still felt this very day by many poker legends and fans alike.
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