Walter Clyde Pearson (January 29, 1929 in Tennessee – April 12, 2006) was an American professional poker player.

Pearson grew up in Tennessee in a large family with nine siblings. He got his nickname "Puggy" from a childhood accident that left him with a disfigured nose at the age of 12. He dropped out of school in the 5th grade, and at the age of 17 he joined the United States Navy, where he served three terms. Already known as one of the best pool players in the world, he cut his teeth at poker and gambling while in the service.

Prior to 1949, all poker games were cash games; a player could cash out his chips and leave at any time. Pearson originated the idea of a freezeout tournament and shared his idea with fellow gambler "Nick the Greek" Dandolos. Dandalos later brought the idea to legendary casino owner Benny Binion, who in turn founded the World Series of Poker.

Pearson won the 1973 World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event when his A 7 defeated Johnny Moss's K J. He has a total of 4 WSOP bracelets (two of which were in seven-card stud, which was considered his best game.)

Pearson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1987.

Famous tales: Pearson once threw cards at a dealer, who responded by hitting him on the head with her high heels while another dealer held him down. On another occasion, Pearson urinated on a dealer, which was confirmed by Mike Caro in the Usenet group rec.gambling.poker. [1] Other poker players, however, describe his general demeanor as laid back; Amarillo Slim said Pearson was "softer than butter on a hot stove".

Pearson bought a tour bus with "Puggy Pearson - Roving Gambler" painted on it. Underneath was written the challenge "I'll play any man from any land any game he can name for any amount I can count." Further below (in smaller writing) was written "Provided I like it."

Pearson was also a keen golfer, who played at scratch. (Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson considered him to be a better pressure putter than Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson.)

Pearson regularly played while smoking a cigar.

Pearson was the only poker player to attend every WSOP from 1970 to 2005.

Puggy will be remembered as being one of the pioneers who put the game on the map... and rightly so.