On August 10, 1933 in Longworth, Texas a child was born that would change the face of poker forever. That child was none other than Doyle ‘Texas Dolly' Brunson, the Godfather of Poker.

Fast forward 75 years and Brunson is still going strong and can be found playing the highest stakes cash games and the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Brunson is one of the true greats in poker, a living legend that is both respected and feared by any player who faces him over the felt.

‘Texas Dolly' was the first player to reach $1,000,000 in tournament winnings and soon after reaching this milestone, he wrote his epic strategy book ‘Super System' - a book considered by many as the bible of poker.

Brunson's appearance is very deceptive. His trademark Stetson hat could lead his opponents to believe he is an aged cowboy playing out of his depth, but nothing could be further from the truth.

With ten World Series of Poker bracelets to his name, including two Main Event victories, and 31 cashes at the series, Brunson has one of the best records of any player. At the time of writing, his live tournament earnings amount to over $5,300,000.

Although Brunson prefers to play high-stakes cash games in Las Vegas, mainly the ‘Big Game' where the stakes are $4,000/$8,000, he is still hungry to win his 11th bracelet and equal Phil Hellmuth's amazing record.

His quest for another bracelet drew a blank at the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe. Whether he was jet-lagged or just unlucky, Brunson did not fare very well in any of the three events.

He failed to make it past the first day of the £2,500 HORSE Event despite him being one of the best mixed game players in the world and it was the same story in the £5,000 Pot-limit Omaha Event too, again busting out during Day 1.

All eyes were on ‘Texas Dolly' for the £10,000 Main Event but it was a case of blink and you would have missed him as the great man only lasted 45 minutes of play!

After flopping a set of fours on a board that read Ts 5d 4c against one of the young superstars, Justin ‘ZeeJustin' Bonomo, the money ended up all-in. Brunson was a 72% favourite to win the massive pot as Bonomo only had an open-ended straight draw, holding 3s 2s.

Unfortunately for Brunson, the turn was the ace of spades, which completed Bonomo's straight, and made him a 77/23 underdog. The seven of diamonds on the river failed to improve either hand and Brunson was forced to make a disappointing early exit.

Rest assured there will not be one single player hungrier for the win at the 2008 World Series of Poker Europe than Doyle Brunson. I feel sorry for any player who decides to lock horns with one of the world's greatest players.