Stu Ungar
"The Kid"
United States · Born 1953 · No-Limit Hold'em
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
Biography
Stu Ungar is widely considered the most naturally gifted poker and card player who ever lived, with three WSOP Main Event victories and five bracelets. A gin rummy prodigy who was banned from games because no one could beat him, his tragic battle with addiction cut short what could have been the greatest poker career in history. He passed away in 1998 at age 45.
Playing Style
A genius-level intuitive player with photographic memory who could read opponents perfectly and recall every card played.
Notable Moments
Won three WSOP Main Events (1980, 1981, and 1997)
Won 10 of 30 major no-limit tournaments entered, a percentage record that still stands
Gin rummy prodigy who was banned from games because opponents could not beat him
His 1997 comeback Main Event victory is considered the greatest poker story ever told
Biggest Career Cash
1997 WSOP Main Event
What You Can Learn from Stu Ungar
Ungar's brilliance teaches the value of complete hand recall and opponent reading, while his tragic story reminds us to protect our well-being outside of poker.