Puggy Pearson

Puggy Pearson January 29, 1929 in Tennessee – April 12, 2006) was an American professional poker player.

Pearson grew up in Tennessee in a large family with nine siblings. He got his nickname “Puggy” from a childhood accident that left him with a disfigured nose at the age of 12. He dropped out of school in the 5th grade, and at the age of 17 he joined the United States Navy, where he served three terms. Already known as one of the best pool players in the world, he cut his teeth at poker and gambling while in the service.

Prior to 1949, all poker games were cash games; a player could cash out his chips and leave at any time. Pearson originated the idea of a freezeout tournament and shared his idea with fellow gambler “Nick the Greek” Dandolos. Dandalos later brought the idea to legendary casino owner Benny Binion, who in turn founded the World Series of Poker.

Pearson won the 1973 World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event when his A-s 7-s defeated Johnny Moss’s K-h J-s. He has a total of 4 WSOP bracelets (two of which were in seven-card stud, which was considered his best game.)

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