The legendary Puggy Pearson died on Wednesday. The former World Series of Poker Champion was 77. Born Walter Clyde Pearson in rural Tennessee, he got his nickname after a childhood accident disfigured his nose.

He dropped out of school in the 5th grade to help support his family. He was a pool hustler for most of his later childhood. Puggy joined the Navy when he was 16. That's where he learned how to play poker.

Puggy Pearson was one of the original seven men that Benny Binion invited to the first WSOP. He won the Main Event in 1973 after he beat out Johnny Moss heads up.

In all, Puggy Pearson has three bracelets in his collection. Puggy also gets credit for the concept of freeze-out poker tournaments.

Puggy was a true gambler and according to Mike Sexton's bio on Puggy, he was a golf hustler too. Doyle Brunson thought Puggy was the biggest pressure putter in the game.
 
At the 2005 WSOP main event final table in Benny's Bullpen at the Horseshoe, Puggy Pearson sang his traditional song for everyone. It would be the last time he sang for the poker world.

(PHOTO taken by Flipchip)