Walter Pearson also known as "Puggy", was a pro American Poker player who was born on January 29, 1929 in Tennessee. He is best remembered for winning the Main Event of the World Series Of Poker in 1973, where he walked away with cash to the tune of $130,000.

An accident in his early youth left Walter Pearson with a disfigured nose, and from then on people would refer to him as "Puggy". He would join the US Navy at seventeen years old and stayed on to complete three terms. At the same time he developed and strengthened his Poker skills, this would stand him in good stead for when he came out.

Prior to 1949, Poker games were all played for cash. It was Pearson who hit upon the idea of having "Freezeout" tournaments, an idea he shared with gambling companion " Nick The Greek" Dandolos, right around the early 50's.

Dandalos was to later bring the idea to Benny Binion, a well-known casino owner at that time. After the further insistence of Pearson along with Legendary Doyle Brunson and Amarillo Slim, all of whom thought such an event would generate some great side game exploits, Binion would create the first World Series Of Poker in the year of 1970.

Pearson would win the 1973 Main Event by defeating Johnny Moss and would win a total of four bracelets two coming from 7 card stud and strategies that he had developed in his youth, whilst still in the Navy. Further recognition would follow in 1987, now being welcomed into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Pearson had a long history of ill-health in particular with his heart. Sadly he passed away on April 12, 2006, amidst speculation that it was from a heart attack. Walter Pearson was aged 77 years old. He will long be remembered for his contribution to the game, RIP dear Puggy.