Background
Pearson was born and raised in Tennessee in a family with nine siblings.
Pearson was born and raised in Tennessee in a family with nine siblings.
He got his nickname "Puggy" from a childhood accident that left him with a disfigured nose at the age of twelve. He dropped out of school in the fifth grade, and at the age of 17 he joined the United States Navy, where he served three terms. He strengthened his skills at poker and gambling while in the service.
Pearson originated the idea of a freezeout tournament and shared his idea with fellow gambler "Nick the Greek" Dandolos in the early 1950s.
Dandalos later brought the idea to legendary casino owner Benny Binion. Pearson was known as a man who would always seek out the biggest game in town, whether it was in the poker room or on the golf links.
He even owned a Recreation Vehicle he called the Roving Gambler, with this painted on the side: "I"ll play any man from any land any game he can name for any amount I can count, provided I like lieutenant"
Pearson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1987. Pearson, who had a long history of heart problems, died on April 12, 2006.
lieutenant is thought the cause of his death was a heart attack.