Stu Unger Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
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Stu Ungar: The Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
Summary
Explore the captivating life story of Stu Ungar, a legendary poker player and three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion.Introduction
Stu Ungar is remembered as one of the most extraordinary figures in professional poker history. Known for his incredible talent and turbulent life, Ungar's journey from fame to tragedy has inspired both a biography and a film. This article delves into the life of this iconic poker genius.
Early Life
Stuart Errol Ungar was born in 1953 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side to a Jewish family. His father was a prominent bookmaker, and after his passing, Stu found guidance under Victor Romano, a figure associated with the Genovese crime family. Both shared a sharp memory, which they leveraged in poker and gin games. Stu, an exceptional gin player by his teens, dropped out of school to pursue a career in gin rummy, benefiting the Genovese family with his skills and earning their protection.
The Rise
By the time Stu transitioned to professional poker, he had already outperformed top gin players. In 1976, he moved to Las Vegas with his girlfriend, where they married and had a daughter, Stephanie. Stu made history in 1980 by becoming the youngest player ever to win the WSOP Main Event, earning him the nickname "The Kid." Despite winning again in 1981, he still considered himself more a gin and rummy player. His extraordinary memory and skill also led him to success at the blackjack tables, though casinos often barred him from playing.
The Fall
In 1990, Stu's return to the WSOP was marred by his severe drug addiction. Leading the event for three days, he was found unconscious in his hotel room due to a drug overdose, yet he still managed to finish ninth. His struggles with cocaine continued, affecting both his personal and professional life.
The Comeback
After a seven-year hiatus, Stu returned to the WSOP in 1997. Despite his financial struggles and health issues from cocaine abuse, he managed to win back his WSOP Championship title. Dubbed "The Comeback Kid" by the media, his success was short-lived.
The Tragic End
Stu was unable to participate in the 1998 WSOP due to financial constraints. Tragically, seven months later, he was found dead in a Las Vegas motel room, with just $800 in his possession. His death was attributed to heart complications caused by prolonged drug abuse.
Legacy
For those interested in exploring Stu's life further:
- Read: "One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey The Kid Ungar, The World’s Greatest Poker Player" by Nolan Dalla, Peter Alson, and Mike Sexton.
- Watch: "High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story," directed by A. W. Vidmer, featuring Michael Imperioli as Stu Ungar.
Stu Ungar's life was a compelling blend of brilliance and tragedy, marking him as an unforgettable figure in the world of poker.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Stu Unger Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius.
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