Stu Unger Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
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Stu Ungar: The Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
Discover the captivating life of Stu Ungar, a legendary poker player and three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion. Ungar's life was a dramatic journey of triumphs and tribulations, 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 was drawn to gambling from a young age. His father, a known bookmaker, passed away when Stu was just 13, leading him to find guidance from Victor Romano, a man connected with the notorious Genovese crime family. Ungar had an extraordinary memory and razor-sharp skills in gin rummy, leading him to drop out of school to pursue it professionally. Protected by the Genovese family, his talent flourished despite his abrasive playing style.
Ascendancy in the Poker World
Stu's prowess in gin rummy left him with few worthy competitors, prompting him to transition to poker. He moved to Las Vegas in 1976 with his girlfriend, whom he later married. In 1980, Ungar made history by winning the WSOP Main Event, earning the nickname "The Kid" as the youngest champion ever. Despite his success in poker, Ungar considered himself primarily a gin rummy player, once claiming that while there may be better poker players, no one could surpass his gin skills.
His unparalleled memory also made him successful at blackjack, but casinos were wary of him and often barred his entry. In 1982, he suffered a setback when the New Jersey Gaming Commission fined him for alleged cheating, though it was simply his natural talent at play.
Descent into Turmoil
By 1990, Stu's life was marred by drug addiction. His return to the WSOP saw him initially leading but eventually succumbing to a drug overdose during the event. He finished ninth, using the winnings to fund his worsening cocaine habit.
A Brief Comeback
After a seven-year absence from professional poker, Stu made a remarkable return to the WSOP in 1997. Despite battling addiction and financial ruin, he clinched another championship title. The comeback earned him the media moniker "The Comeback Kid," but his victory was short-lived.
Tragic End
Stu Ungar's battle with addiction continued to plague him. By 1998, he was unable to afford the WSOP entry fee. Just months after Scotty Nguyen's victory that year, Ungar was found dead in a Las Vegas motel with only $800 to his name. His life ended tragically due to heart complications stemming from years of drug abuse.
Legacy
For those wanting to delve deeper into his life, "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 offers an in-depth look. Additionally, the film "High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story," directed by A.W. Vidmer and starring Michael Imperioli, brings his story to the screen.
Stu Ungar's life is a poignant reminder of both the allure and peril of success and the enduring legacy of a poker genius.
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