Jon Kyte started his professional poker career in 2017. The Norwegian poker player has achieved outstanding results, including finishing 4th in the Eureka Main Event in Prague and winning his first EPT trophy in Prague in the H.O.R.S.E. event.
He has been a prominent figure in Norwegian poker for several years. His impressive online and live tournaments have made him a respected figure in the poker community. Kyte has earned significant cash prizes throughout the years.
Playing Style
He is known for his analytical approach and calmness under pressure. His reputation as a strategic expert comes from his ability to read opponents and make estimated moves. This style has brought Jon Kyte poker success and the respect of fellow players and global poker fans.
Favorite Poker Formats
The pro player recalls Hold’em as the most vital format for those who make poker their living. Kyte plays all configurations, but when asked about picking one tournament layout, it would be the Dealer’s Choice. When he has to decide on only one game, that is the Fixed Limit 2-7 Triple Draw.
The Pro Norwegian Poker Player Statistics
At first, Kyte started playing with his friends for fun. Once he took the game more seriously, online poker in Norway came along. The pro gambler started with full-time live games, along with the big series and Sundays. Here we have highlighted some interesting stats:
Total Live Earnings $2,155,521
Norway All-Time Money List 11th
Current Rank at the All-Time Money List 1216th
Global Poker Index Ranking 190th
Popularity Ranking 1266th
Best Live Cash $692,246
These numbers are the result of the player’s prosperous gambling career. The first-time WSOP Circuit ring winner outplayed 143 entries, getting the ring and a hefty money prize. Over the years, he has won playing against world-known poker stars like Finland’s Olli Rummukainen.
Greatest Achievements
Since 2017, the events in Kyte’s career have grown in numbers and in diversity. He mostly plays tournaments live and online, aiming for the big events. If there is something he doesn’t like, the available cash games come in handy. All that leads to the following achievements of the Norwegian poker player:
• Regularly among the top global poker rankings
• Maintainsgreat results at international poker tournaments
• 4th in the 2022 EPT Eureka Main Event, Prague
• 4th at the EPT UKIPT London Main Event
• In 2023 have won over NOK 10 million
The Jon Kyte poker career continues with the hunt for his second WSOPC ring in 2024. He did great in Las Vegas butfinished one spot short as the runner-up. Then, he went back to his new home in Vienna, Austria. A relocation forced by changes in the laws on online poker in Norway.
Online Poker Scene in Norway
The current gaming policy has long opposed poker. The game is still illegal outside of regulated tournaments and private homes. The heightened pursuit of foreign companieshas increased unregulated gaming on less secure online poker platforms. Nevertheless, more and more poker sites in Norway offer safe and legal gameplay
The DNS Blocking Plan
Two main monopolies have dominated the local gambling market. Still, the lack of poker products opened the doors for foreign gambling websites. Along with the EU laws of free trade, that helped offshore brands bypass the Norwegian monopoly.
Until 2023, local professional poker players could participate in numerous worldwide poker tournaments. In October same year, the Norwegian government passed legislation blocking offshore gambling sites. That represents the latest attempt to maintain the state monopoly.
That is also known as the DNS plan. It introduces technical measures to prevent users from accessing specified websites using the domain name system (DNS). Moreover, the rules state that poker players with a residential address in Norway must pay tax.
Another significant obstacle is access to online poker sites. Many players are stopped from participating in the biggest tournaments that help them make a living playing. One is the yearly World Championship, hosted by PokerStars.
The poker brand decided to leave the Norwegian online poker market due to commercial reasons. Changes in the law, blocked transactions, commercials, etc., pushed the platform away. That move made many professional players rethink their citizenship.
Jon Kyte Moving Abroad
Norwegian laws have caused many professional poker players to move and live in different countries. The rules state that residents must pay 30% of their poker winnings as tax to the government. Many see this as unnecessary losses, which has affected their choices.
“It is difficult to make a living as a professional poker player in Norway” – Jon Kyte
These fee considerations are one of the biggest reasons for the Norwegian poker player’s decision to move. The high tax rates on poker winnings represent a significant part of the income from poker going to tax.
Jon Kyte’s poker level increased over the years, tilting the scales of his decision. In addition, one of the biggest poker platforms withdrew from the Norwegian market. That altered the possibilities for local players to participate in large online tournaments.
Why Vienna
Austria’s capital has a more favorable tax policy as in no income tax on winnings. Its rules are far more agreeable for poker players, making it easier for professionals to keep a significant portion of their winnings. Kyte’s move is likely to result in substantial financial benefits.
Vienna provides better access to European poker tournaments andenables more manageable travel to major ones in the US and other parts of the world. That can increase Kyte’s visibility on the international stage, providing more opportunities to compete against the best players.
Future of Poker
The niche has many challenges, but Norsk Tipping is considering offering online poker in Norway. Moreover, the discussion about potential changes in the legislation could make live poker more accessible. That may boost the Norwegian poker community via small legal tournaments.
Conclusion
The Norwegian tax situation affecting Jon Kyte poker career justifies his decision to move to Vienna. That is a strategic choice, as the new home has more poker opportunities and no tax. Some see the move as a sign for the authorities to pursue reforms of the gambling policy.
For others, it represents a loss for the local poker community. For the Norwegian poker player personally, the move will open new doors. He will have the necessary resources to continue as a successful gambler on the global stage.
https://nnews.no/topp-norsk-pokerspiller-flytter-utenlands-jon-kytes-beslutning/
About The Author
