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Doyle Brunson's Epic Poker Marathon: Five Days Without Sleep
Community & StoriesFebruary 23, 2010·1 min read

Doyle Brunson's Epic Poker Marathon: Five Days Without Sleep


Doyle Brunson, the legendary poker player, once played a marathon poker session that lasted five days and five nights without sleep. This intense experience is recounted in his book '50 Key Hands of My Life'.

During this extraordinary session, Brunson played against a man named Virgil, who worked at a local slaughterhouse. Virgil was taking pills and drinking alcohol to stay awake, a combination that Brunson had warned him against. Despite the warning, Virgil continued his risky behavior.

Tragically, during a crucial moment in the game, Virgil collapsed and died after taking a sip of whiskey. The poker session continued for another 24 hours, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the players involved.

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Argus Riven

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Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

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