25 Mar
Norwegian poker gamers are making headlines throughout the globe. As soon as restricted by strict nationwide legal guidelines, Norway’s poker scene is rising quick. Extra gamers at the moment are becoming a member of prime occasions overseas. Some have gained main titles and gained respect within the recreation. On-line poker helped them practise throughout native restrictions.
This shift has helped create a brand new wave of expertise. Names like Felix Stephensen and Annette Obrestad at the moment are well-known. They’ve proven that ability and persistence can beat the chances. Norway’s poker success reveals no indicators of slowing down. Extra younger gamers are following of their footsteps. On this article, we’ll take a look at how it began. You’ll additionally study in regards to the gamers altering the face of poker.
Historic Background of Poker in Norway
Poker in Norway began in non-public properties. Within the Nineties, extra younger individuals started to play. It was enjoyable at events and small gatherings, however public poker video games weren’t allowed. The legislation solely lets the state-run playing.
On-line poker turned widespread in 2008. Many Norwegians joined online casinos, which weren’t blocked by Norwegian legislation. Gamers may practise typically and study new abilities, and on-line video games helped them participate in occasions exterior Norway.
Miss Obrestad made historical past in 2007. At age 18, she gained the World Sequence of Poker Europe, an enormous second for Norwegian poker. In 2014, Felix Stephensen got here second within the World Sequence of Poker Principal Occasion. These wins confirmed the world that Norwegians may play at a excessive degree.
In 2015, Norway modified the principles. The federal government allowed one authorized event annually, and for the primary time, the Norwegian Poker Championship was held contained in the nation.
At present, many Norwegian gamers attend prime occasions overseas. On-line poker nonetheless helps them develop. Even with strict legal guidelines, the poker scene is rising quick. Norway is now identified for sturdy gamers with actual ability.
Norwegian Poker Gamers on the World Stage
A number of Norwegian gamers have gained sturdy leads to international poker. They’ve made headlines with wins and good play. Beneath are some key names of those that helped put Norway on the map.
Felix Stephensen
Felix Stephensen completed second within the WSOP Principal Occasion in 2014. He gained over $5.1 million. He had performed on-line for years earlier than becoming a member of dwell occasions. His sturdy play confirmed that Norwegians may compete on the highest degree.
Key details:
- 2nd place in WSOP Principal Occasion 2014
- Over $5.8 million in earnings
- One in every of Norway’s prime poker earners
Thor Hansen
Thor Hansen was one of many first Norwegians to turn out to be well-known in poker. Many individuals name him the “godfather” of Norwegian poker. He performed for a few years and gained two WSOP bracelets. Hansen additionally helped develop poker in Norway and impressed many gamers.
Key details:
- Over $2.7 million in event winnings
- Received WSOP bracelets in 1988 and 2002
- Nominated for the Poker Corridor of Fame
Annette Obrestad
Annette Obrestad became famous in 2007 when she gained the WSOP Europe Principal Occasion. She did it sooner or later earlier than her nineteenth birthday. She additionally had nice success on-line, the place she generally performed with out taking a look at her playing cards. She used logic and seen how others performed.
Key details:
- Received WSOP Europe Principal Occasion in 2007
- Youngest WSOP bracelet winner
- First girl to win a WSOP important occasion
- Over $3.9 million in winnings
Johnny Lodden
Johnny Lodden first turned identified on-line as “bad_ip.” He performed high-stakes video games and was very profitable. Later, he performed in dwell occasions just like the European Poker Tour. He was additionally a part of Workforce PokerStars Professional.
Key details:
- Over $2.8 million in dwell winnings
- Identified for high-stakes video games
- Performed in lots of EPT occasions
Andreas Høivold
Andreas Høivold gained the EPT Dortmund event in 2007. This win made him well-known. He has performed each on-line and dwell poker for a few years.
Key details:
- Winner of EPT Dortmund 2007
- Over $1.3 million in event winnings
Robert Kaggerud
Robert Kaggerud has performed very nicely within the Norwegian Championship (NM). He has been the highest participant in these occasions since 2021. He holds the file for many cashes, with 14 in whole.
Key details:
- NM titles in 2018, 2019, and 2022
- fifth place at EPT Prague 2024
Kjetil Jørgensen
Kjetil Jørgensen has performed in NM occasions for a few years. He has gained extra titles than most and has additionally performed nicely in worldwide occasions.
Key details:
- NM titles in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021
- Over $1.5 million in winnings
- Excessive finishes in worldwide tournaments
Eirik Hegge
Eirik Hegge has performed poker for a few years. He has gained in each on-line and dwell tournaments. He has performed nicely on websites like PokerStars and in massive occasions just like the WSOP and EPT.
Key details:
- Over $2 million in winnings
- Performed in lots of WSOP and EPT occasions
- Excessive rankings on a number of poker websites
Henrik Tollefsen
Henrik Tollefsen made his title in 2009 when he gained his first NM title. In 2010, he reached a remaining desk on the World Sequence of Poker. Since then, he has had many good leads to tournaments around the globe. Lately, he has performed particularly nicely in Asia, with a number of massive wins.
In 2016, he gained his second NM title at Gardermoen. That very same yr, he acquired the Golden Hand award for his sturdy performances in tournaments.
Key details:
- NM titles in 2009 and 2016
- The ultimate desk at WSOP in 2010
- A number of event wins in Asia
- Winner of the Golden Hand Award in 2016
Olav Amundsgaard
Olav Amundsgaard is thought for each his poker outcomes and his work supporting the sport in Norway. Many bear in mind the “Million Duel” in 2013 when he provided a million kroner to any Norwegian politician who may beat him in poker. Erling Wiborg from the FrP celebration accepted the problem however misplaced.
Key details:
- Performed high-stakes poker on-line
- Created the “Million Duel” in 2013 to advertise poker
- Reached a number of NM remaining tables
- Member of the Norwegian Poker Corridor of Fame
Andreas Torbergsen
Andreas Torbergsen turned well-known on-line beneath the title “Skjervøy.” He was one of many prime PLO (Pot-Restrict Omaha) gamers on the planet. In 2011, he was named On-line Participant of the Yr by each the Nordic Poker Awards and the European Poker Awards. That yr, he was the highest participant in Europe and second solely to Dan Cates worldwide. He was additionally the primary participant ever to win over $1 million on two completely different websites, incomes the uncommon “Double High Hat Award” from PTR.
Key details:
- High PLO participant in 2011
- On-line Participant of the Yr (Nordic and European Poker Awards, 2011)
- First to obtain PTR’s “Double High Hat Award”
Sigurd Eskeland
Sigurd Eskeland has helped develop Norwegian poker for a few years. He first made his mark as a participant by profitable a WSOP bracelet, turning into the third Norwegian to take action. In 2013, he turned the primary President of the Norwegian Poker Affiliation. He led the group till 2022 when he selected to step down.
Key details:
- Third Norwegian to win a WSOP bracelet
- President of the Norwegian Poker Affiliation (2013–2022)
- Helped promote poker to media, individuals, and politicians
