Stu Ungar was a professional poker, gin, and blackjack player. He was believed to be the best Texas Hold'em player of all time before his untimely death in 1998, at 35 years of age. In 2001 he was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Only two players have won the World Series of Poker Main Event three times, and Stu Ungar was one of them. Moreover, he was one of four to have won the champion title in two consecutive years - 1980 and 1981. He was also the only one to ever win the Super Bowl of Poker Main Event three times - the second most prestigious title during the 1980s.

Stu Ungar was known for his aggressive style of playing, well-timed bluffs and telepathic ability to read his opponents. Ungar's phenomenal memory and card-counting skills had got him banned from the blackjack tables at all Las Vegas casinos.

Written by Annie RKH
Last update: 20/03/2015