15 Facts About Puggy Pearson

Walter Clyde "Puggy" Pearson was an American professional poker player.

Puggy Pearson is best known as the 1973 World Series of Poker Main Event winner.

Puggy Pearson got his nickname "Puggy" from a childhood accident that left him with a disfigured nose at the age of twelve.

Puggy Pearson dropped out of school in the fifth grade, and at the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy, where he served three tours.

Puggy Pearson strengthened his skills at poker and gambling while in the Navy.

Puggy Pearson originated the idea of a freezeout tournament and shared his idea with fellow gambler "Nick the Greek" Dandolos in the early 1950s.

Puggy Pearson participated in the first World Series of Poker that year along with Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Sailor Roberts, Crandell Addington, and Carl Cannon.

Puggy Pearson won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the 1971 Limit Seven-Card Stud preliminary event.

Puggy Pearson was involved in a controversial ending to the 1972 WSOP Main Event.

Puggy Pearson ended up being the runner-up to Amarillo Slim, but there was a question of fair play.

In 1973, Puggy Pearson won two preliminary events in the WSOP.

Puggy Pearson won four bracelets, two of which were in seven-card stud and two of which were No limit hold'em.

Puggy Pearson was known as a man who would always seek out the biggest game in town, whether it was in the poker room or on the golf course.

Puggy Pearson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1987.

Puggy Pearson, who had a long history of heart problems, died on April 12,2006.