Based on the success and longevity of Brunson’s career, in addition to his ambassadorship and many contributions to the sport of poker, the league granted him a Lifetime Membership, which guarantees his entrance into all future Epic Poker League events.

“Doyle Brunson epitomizes excellence and class in poker and we’re honored to award him with the league’s first lifetime membership,” said Annie Duke, commissioner of the Epic Poker League. “There is no better player or person to receive a Lifetime Card and we look forward to welcoming Doyle to many future Epic Poker events.”

Prior to the kickoff of the League’s third live tournament today at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, a special ceremony was held for Brunson where he received his Lifetime Membership, a special gold and sapphire ring and witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative pennant that will hang in the Epic Poker “Hall of Champions.”

"I gladly accept this lifetime membership card," said Doyle Brunson. "Epic Poker is taking our game to the next level and I'm honored to be part of this league and think every player should support it.”

“It is humbling to be recognized as a pioneer in this incredible game and it has been my life-long passion to help take poker to the highest level possible,” added Brunson.

Epic Poker League players qualify for a Five-Year, Three-Year or Two-Year card. The length of each “card” term – otherwise known as the “exemption period” – is based on the player’s achievement level and the exemption period is the amount of time a qualifying player will be eligible to enter the Federated Sports + Gaming professional poker league tournaments before his or her status comes up for review.

The Epic Poker League Inaugural Season includes four rake-free $20,000 Main Events, each with $400,000 in added money, and a $1,000,000 freeroll Championship Event for the top 27 players in the League. To be eligible to compete, Main Event players must earn membership determined by a rigorous set of objective criteria . A complete roster for players that have qualified for Season One of the league can be found on the Epic Poker website.

The four professional league Main Events feature different formats of No-Limit Texas Hold’em, including six-handed play and a special multi-format tournament.  Each event week includes a Pro/Am Event, a Charity Event, and a $20,000 buy-in rake-free Main Event