The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar

Pokerlistings has recently released a 13-minute documentary about the only three-time World Series of Poker Main Event champion and legendary gin rummy player, Stu Ungar.

Stu Ungar is considered by many to be the most talented poker player to have ever lived and considering his results, they're probably right. Ungar won back-to-back WSOP Main Events in 1980 and 1981, then once again in 1997.

Between the first two and the third wins, Ungar was constantly battling drug addictions, which made his return in 1997 all the more spectacular, winning him the nickname "Comeback Kid".

Had it not been for drugs, Ungar could have probably claimed a fourth title also. In 1990, he was a huge chipleader going into Day 3 of the Main Event, but he didn't show up at the start of play.

He was found in his hotel room having overdosed himself but paramedics still managed to save his life. Although he couldn't continue the tournament, he had such a huge chip lead that his stack finished in 9th place.

Pokerlistings conducted several interviews with players this summer who have known the cards genius, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 45. The documentary is based on these memories, you can check out the video below.