Stu Unger Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
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Stu Ungar: The Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
Introduction
Discover the captivating life of Stu Ungar, a legendary figure in the world of poker who rose to fame as a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion. Despite his immense talent, Stu's life mirrored that of a rock star with rapid fame, personal struggles, and his untimely demise.
Early Life
Stuart Errol Ungar was born in 1953 to a Jewish family on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His father, a notable bookmaker, passed away during Stu’s adolescence, leaving him under the influence of Victor Romano, a Genovese family soldier. Both men shared an exceptional memory, aiding Stu’s prowess in poker and gin games.
By his early teens, Stu was an accomplished gin player, dropping out of school to compete full-time. His extraordinary skills caught the attention of the Genovese family, who offered protection from rivals offended by his bold playing style.
Rise to Fame
Stu's unmatched talent led him to defeat legendary gin players, prompting a shift in focus to poker. Relocating to Las Vegas in 1976 with his girlfriend, Stu quickly made a name for himself by winning the 1980 WSOP Main Event, becoming the youngest champion. This victory earned him the nickname "The Kid". Despite his poker success, Stu still identified primarily as a gin rummy player.
His incredible skills extended to blackjack, but his keen memory and prowess led to frequent bans from casinos. In 1982, the New Jersey Gaming Commission fined him for alleged cheating, though he merely used his natural abilities.
Downfall
By 1990, Stu's life was overshadowed by drug addiction. Although he led the WSOP for the first three days, he was found unconscious from a drug overdose and finished ninth. The winnings went towards funding his drug habit.
Brief Comeback
In 1997, after seven years away, Stu returned to the WSOP. Despite physical and financial struggles from cocaine abuse and gambling, he captured another WSOP title, earning the moniker "The Comeback Kid." However, this resurgence was short-lived.
Tragic End
Stu did not participate in the 1998 WSOP due to financial woes. Just seven months after the tournament, he was found dead in a Las Vegas motel room, with only $800. His death was attributed to a heart condition worsened by years of substance abuse.
Legacy
Stu's extraordinary life is chronicled in the biography "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. His story was also adapted into the film "High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story," directed by A. W. Vidmer and featuring Michael Imperioli as Stu.
Explore the dramatic tale of one of poker's most gifted and complex figures whose life was as remarkable as his talent at the tables.
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