Chip Reese, one of the world's premier poker players has died aged 56.

Reese, who passed away in his sleep in Las Vegas last week, was well known for playing the the biggest cash games, while being equally adept in tournament play, winning three World Series of Poker bracelets, including the 2006 H.O.R.S.E. title.

Regarded by many, including Doyle Brunson, as the finest poker player that ever lived, Reese will be sorely missed within the poker community.

“Many consider Chip the greatest cash-game player who ever lived, but he was also a World Series of Poker legend,” said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.

“His victory in the inaugural $50,000 buy-in HORSE championship in 2006 won him his third WSOP bracelet.and made him a part of WSOP lore forever.