Stu Ungar: The Mythical Tale of an American Poker Legend

Stu Ungar wasn’t just a poker player – he was a prodigy, a whirlwind of brilliance and self-destruction. Ungar had a genius-level IQ and a photographic memory, “The Kid” dominated Gin Rummy before becoming a legend in poker. He won three WSOP Main Events, out-bluffed the best, and lived fast. 

But behind the fearless face was a man battling addiction, personal demons, and family heartbreak. His story is as unforgettable as his game.

Early Life and Path to Poker

Stuart Errol Ungar was born on September 8, 1953, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side – a neighborhood where street smarts meant survival. His father, Ido Ungar, was a bookmaker and casino operator, exposing young Stu to gambling early on. Tragically, his father died when Stu was just a teen, and not long after, his mother suffered a stroke. Left to fend for himself, Stu leaned into the thing he knew best: cards.

By his teens, Ungar was dominating New York’s underground Gin Rummy scene. His photographic memory and lightning-quick recall made him nearly unbeatable. By the late 1970s, he’d scared off so many challengers that no one wanted to play him; he was simply too good. Such was The Kid’s dominance at the time that opponents suggested he effectively “retired the game.”

With no action left in Gin Rummy, Ungar set his sights on poker. What followed wasn’t just a career shift – it was the making of a legend.

Stu Ungar’s Biggest Wins and Achievements

Few players in history have dominated with the sheer brilliance of Stu Ungar. Known for his fearless aggression and genius-level reads, Ungar didn’t just win – he dismantled opponents. Though his career was turbulent, as a 3-times WSOP Main Event winner, his record at the felt remains one of the most iconic in poker history.

Here are his most notable achievements:

• 1980 WSOP Main Event Champion – At just 26, he became the youngest world champion.
• 1981 WSOP Main Event Champion – Winning back-to-back titles.
• 1997 WSOP Main Event Champion – A legendary comeback after years of obscurity and personal struggle.
• Five WSOP Bracelets – Including two for Seven Card Stud events.
• 16 WSOP In The Money Finishes
• Over $3.6 Million – In career tournament winnings

Drugs and Alcohol Use

At the height of his fame, Ungar was untouchable at the poker table but off the felt, his life was spinning out of control. The fast-paced world of high-stakes gambling came with late nights, dangerous company, and easy access to drugs. Sadly, here Ungar fell hard into cocaine use. It began as a recreational escape but quickly became a devastating dependency.

As the years went on, Stu’s addiction worsened. He would disappear for days, miss tournaments, and borrow money not to play – but to score. His once-sharp game dulled, and his erratic behavior pushed away even his closest friends. Despite brief moments of clarity and attempted comebacks, the damage ran deep. His health deteriorated, and his finances crumbled.

Relationship and Family Life

At his core, Stu was known to be a deeply emotional and sensitive person capable of great love and warmth. His marriage to Madeline Wheeler was marked by highs and lows, and though it eventually ended, they shared a daughter, Stephanie, whom he adored. In interviews later in life, he often spoke about how much she meant to him.

Among friends, Stu inspired fierce loyalty – at least for a time. Fellow pros like Billy Baxter and Mike Sexton admired his genius but were often forced into the role of caretakers. Many, including Baxter, staked him in tournaments despite knowing he might disappear for days.

His lifestyle, especially in later years, made it difficult to maintain the connections he valued most. Regret followed him, especially when it came to the time he missed with Stephanie and the strain placed on those who tried to help him. Despite it all, many who knew him never stopped hoping he’d turn things around.

Stu Ungar’s Final Years

In the years following his epic 1997 WSOP comeback, Stu Ungar struggled to stay afloat. Despite winning $1 million, the money vanished quickly, lost to drugs, sports betting, and handouts. He failed to capitalize on his renewed fame, missing events and slipping further into addiction. His health declined sharply; he appeared gaunt, frail, and emotionally distant.

On November 22, 1998, Stu Ungar died in a cheap Las Vegas motel. The reported cause of death was a heart condition, perhaps brought on by years of substance abuse. He was just 45. A legend gone too soon, brilliant but ultimately consumed by his demons.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

In 2003, the film High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story was released, offering a cinematic portrayal of the tumultuous life of Ungar. Michael Imperioli was praised for his portrayal of Ungar in the movie which delves into his meteoric rise in poker, his personal struggles, and his tragic downfall. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, providing a window into Ungar’s complex persona. The film is also known by its alternate title, Stuey. 

Audience reception was mixed. Some viewers appreciated the insight into Ungar’s life, with one noting, “This movie kept my interest from beginning to end. This is well written and provides possible insights as to why Stu lived his life on the edge.” Others felt it lacked depth, with critiques pointing to its “choppy transitions and poor acting.”

Despite the varied reviews, the film earned accolades, including the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature in Nashville.

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