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 remarkable life of Stu Ungar, a three-time World Series of Poker champion and legendary figure in the world of professional poker.The Life of Stu Ungar
Stu Ungar remains a towering figure in the world of professional poker. Known for his unparalleled skills, Stu's tumultuous life journey led him to become a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion. His story, filled with success and tragedy, is chronicled in both a biography and a biopic.
Early Life
Born in 1953 to a Jewish family in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Stuart Errol Ungar's early life was shaped by his father's role as a bookmaker and his mother's illness, which left her unable to curb his growing interest in gambling. After his father passed away, 13-year-old Stu found a mentor in his neighbor, Victor Romano, an infamous figure linked to the Genovese crime family.
Both Stu and Romano possessed extraordinary memories, which they utilized in poker and gin games. By his early teens, Stu was already a formidable gin player, winning tournaments and gaining experience. He left school to pursue a career as a full-time gin rummy player. The Genovese family provided him protection in exchange for benefiting from his talent.
The Ascendancy
Stu dominated the gin scene and famously defeated Harry "Yonkie" Stein, prompting Stein to retire. With no real competition left in gin, Stu turned his focus to poker. In 1976, Stu and his girlfriend moved to Las Vegas, where they married and had a daughter, Stephanie.
In 1980, Stu made history by winning the WSOP Main Event, becoming the youngest champion ever and earning the nickname "The Kid." Despite winning again in 1981, Stu considered himself more of a gin player, famously declaring that while there may be better poker players, no one could match him in gin rummy.
Stu also tried his hand at blackjack, utilizing his remarkable skills. However, casinos unwelcomed his presence, often barring him. In 1982, albeit unfairly, he faced a fine from the New Jersey Gaming Commission for alleged cheating, despite merely leveraging his natural abilities.
The Downfall
By 1990, Stu had succumbed to drug addiction. At the WSOP that year, he was the chip leader, but an overdose left him unconscious in his hotel room. Nevertheless, he finished ninth, securing money that further fueled his addiction.
The Comeback
After disappearing from the poker scene for seven years, Stu returned in 1997. Despite being broke, facing severe health issues from cocaine abuse, and struggling with gambling addictions, he reclaimed the WSOP Championship title. Known as "The Comeback Kid," Stu's resurgence was celebrated, but it was short-lived.
The Tragic End
Stu missed the 1998 WSOP, unable to afford the entry fee. A few months later, he was found dead in a Las Vegas motel room with only $800 in his pocket. His death, attributed to a heart condition exacerbated by years of drug use, marked the end of a storied life.
Further Reading and Viewing
- 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 and starring Michael Imperioli.
Stu Ungar's life was a poignant blend of brilliance and tragedy, forever etched in poker history.
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