Stu Ungar: "The Kid" - World Series of Poker Player Bio

Drug Abuse Cuts Poker Legend's Career Short

Stu "The Kid" Ungar was born in Manhattan on September 8, 1953. His father, a bookie, did not encourage his son's gambling, but Stu Ungar quickly became a big name in gin rummy. At age 10, Stu Ungar won a local gin tournament and by 1967 was one of the best gin rummy players in New York City.

In 1968, Stu Ungar's father passed away. The young gambler dropped out of high school to support his mother and sister full-time. However, Ungar eventually left New York to escape his gambling debts. Despite his wild success at card games, Ungar struggled with bad sportsbooks and horse track bets.

Ungar moved to Las Vegas in 1976. He married and had one daughter, Stefanie.

In Vegas, Stu Ungar's gin rummy reputation finally did him under. Professionals refused to play him - he always won. He even offered his competitors handicaps to try and get in on games. Ultimately, Stu Ungar switched to poker and blackjack. His genius-level I.Q. and eidetic memory quickly built his bankroll.

Stu Ungar won the 1980 and 1981 World Series of Poker main events. He was the youngest champion until Phil Hellmuth's win in 1989.

In 1982, "The Kid" was accused of cheating at a blackjack table. Allegedly, he capped a bet (put more chips down after the win was announced to get more money). The fine was $500, but Stu Ungar chose to fight the charge and spent $50,000 clearing his name. The court case left Stu Ungar exhausted, and he opted out of the 1982 World Series of Poker.

Throughout his professional gambling career, Stu Ungar was regularly banned from casinos. He was that good. 

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser," Ungar said.

Whatever money Stu Ungar was able to make, he squandered on his two old demons – sportsbooks and horse races - and one new - cocaine.

Stu Ungar made it to the final table in the 1990 World Series of Poker. On the third day of the event, Ungar was found overdosed on the floor of his hotel room. However, his chip lead allowed him to come in ninth. Even after the dealer picked up his blinds, Stu Ungar took home $20,500.