A Welcome Visitor to the Main Event
During the WSOP the staff has made it a point to announce notable players who are participating in this year's Main Event. A little while ago it was announced that someone very special was here watching the play today, the late Stu Ungar's ex-wife, Madeline.
Ungar was one of only two players to have ever won the WSOP Main Event three times (Johnny Moss being the other). He won the Main Event in 1980 when he defeated Doyle Brunson heads up, and in 1981 when he defeated Perry Green.
Although Madeline and Stu divorced in 1986, Stu stayed in contact with her and their daughter, Stefanie, over the years.
He won his third Main Event in 1997 and dedicated the win to his daughter, showing the television cameras her picture after his victory.
Sadly, Ungar dealt with addiction for much of his life and was found dead in a Las Vegas motel on November 20, 1998. While "The Kid" is gone, he is still regarded as one of the best players the game has ever seen and is sorely missed in the poker community.
After her presence was announced, the players in the Amazon room welcomed Madeline with a warm round of applause.