Walter Clyde “Puggy” Pearson who earned his nickname for his disfigured pug nose was the epitome of the old school poker player. Not only did he have the style of the old school and all of the connotations that come with it but he was a damn good player and certainly one of the greats, as recognised by Brunson, Moss and all of his contemporaries.
After his birth in what was little more than a shack in Tennessee, Puggy dropped out of school and cut his poker playing teeth while playing poker on board ship while he served in the US Navy. After a few stinits in the military, Pearson became one of the original poker rounders; dodging the long arm of the law and playing in the biggest game in town. Famous for wanting to be dealt into the biggest game as soon as he walked into a casino irrespective of the type of game or the stakes, Puggy would always be found in the best games, sporting his hat and cigar and pioneering the aggressive style of play that he made his own. Pearson really was a formidable opponent and almost as good as any of his day.
It was Pearson who created the idea of a poker freezeout tournament in contrast to the cash games of the time and after he shared his idea with Nick “The Greek” Dandalos and Benny Binion who was the brainchild of the World Series of Poker. Pearson had several successes in the early days of the World Series and became noted for his Seven Card Stud skills in addition to those he had in Hold’em as he won 4 WSOP bracelets including the 1973 WSOP main event.
Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1987, Pearson place in history as among the best ever is well established. All the credentials are there; the resultant conclusion is clear. Pearson was among the best ever.
This article was written by meshuganater.
Tags: hold'em, Pearson, Top Ten Players of All Time, WSOP