Norwegian poker players are making headlines across the globe. Once limited by strict national laws, Norway’s poker scene is growing fast. More players are now joining top events abroad. Some have won major titles and gained respect in the game. Online poker helped them practise during local restrictions.
This shift has helped create a new wave of talent. Names like Felix Stephensen and Annette Obrestad are now well-known. They’ve shown that skill and patience can beat the odds. Norway’s poker success shows no signs of slowing down. More young players are following in their footsteps. In this article, we’ll look at how it all started. You’ll also learn about the players changing the face of poker.
Historical Background of Poker in Norway
Poker in Norway started in private homes. In the 1990s, more young people began to play. It was fun at parties and small gatherings, but public poker games were not allowed. The law only lets the state-run gambling.
Online poker became popular in 2008. Many Norwegians joined online casinos, which were not blocked by Norwegian law. Players could practise often and learn new skills, and online games helped them take part in events outside Norway.
Miss Obrestad made history in 2007. At age 18, she won the World Series of Poker Europe, a big moment for Norwegian poker. In 2014, Felix Stephensen came second in the World Series of Poker Main Event. These wins showed the world that Norwegians could play at a high level.
In 2015, Norway changed the rules. The government allowed one legal tournament each year, and for the first time, the Norwegian Poker Championship was held inside the country.
Today, many Norwegian players attend top events abroad. Online poker still helps them grow. Even with strict laws, the poker scene is growing fast. Norway is now known for strong players with real skill.
Norwegian Poker Players on the Global Stage
Several Norwegian players have gained strong results in global poker. They’ve made headlines with wins and smart play. Below are some key names of those who helped put Norway on the map.
Felix Stephensen
Felix Stephensen finished second in the WSOP Main Event in 2014. He won over $5.1 million. He had played online for years before joining live events. His strong play showed that Norwegians could compete at the highest level.
Key facts:
- 2nd place in WSOP Main Event 2014
- Over $5.8 million in earnings
- One of Norway’s top poker earners
Thor Hansen
Thor Hansen was one of the first Norwegians to become famous in poker. Many people call him the “godfather” of Norwegian poker. He played for many years and won two WSOP bracelets. Hansen also helped grow poker in Norway and inspired many players.
Key facts:
- Over $2.7 million in tournament winnings
- Won WSOP bracelets in 1988 and 2002
- Nominated for the Poker Hall of Fame
Annette Obrestad
Annette Obrestad became famous in 2007 when she won the WSOP Europe Main Event. She did it one day before her 19th birthday. She also had great success online, where she sometimes played without looking at her cards. She used logic and noticed how others played.
Key facts:
- Won WSOP Europe Main Event in 2007
- Youngest WSOP bracelet winner
- First woman to win a WSOP main event
- Over $3.9 million in winnings
Johnny Lodden
Johnny Lodden first became known online as “bad_ip.” He played high-stakes games and was very successful. Later, he played in live events like the European Poker Tour. He was also part of Team PokerStars Pro.
Key facts:
- Over $2.8 million in live winnings
- Known for high-stakes games
- Played in many EPT events
Andreas Høivold
Andreas Høivold won the EPT Dortmund tournament in 2007. This win made him well-known. He has played both online and live poker for many years.
Key facts:
- Winner of EPT Dortmund 2007
- Over $1.3 million in tournament winnings
Robert Kaggerud
Robert Kaggerud has done very well in the Norwegian Championship (NM). He has been the top player in these events since 2021. He holds the record for most cashes, with 14 in total.
Key facts:
- NM titles in 2018, 2019, and 2022
- 5th place at EPT Prague 2024
Kjetil Jørgensen
Kjetil Jørgensen has played in NM events for many years. He has won more titles than most and has also done well in international events.
Key facts:
- NM titles in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021
- Over $1.5 million in winnings
- High finishes in international tournaments
Eirik Hegge
Eirik Hegge has played poker for many years. He has won in both online and live tournaments. He has done well on sites like PokerStars and in big events like the WSOP and EPT.
Key facts:
- Over $2 million in winnings
- Played in many WSOP and EPT events
- High rankings on several poker sites
Henrik Tollefsen
Henrik Tollefsen made his name in 2009 when he won his first NM title. In 2010, he reached a final table at the World Series of Poker. Since then, he has had many good results in tournaments around the world. In recent years, he has done especially well in Asia, with several big wins.
In 2016, he won his second NM title at Gardermoen. That same year, he received the Golden Hand award for his strong performances in tournaments.
Key facts:
- NM titles in 2009 and 2016
- The final table at WSOP in 2010
- Multiple tournament wins in Asia
- Winner of the Golden Hand Award in 2016
Olav Amundsgaard
Olav Amundsgaard is known for both his poker results and his work supporting the game in Norway. Many remember the “Million Duel” in 2013 when he offered one million kroner to any Norwegian politician who could beat him in poker. Erling Wiborg from the FrP party accepted the challenge but lost.
Key facts:
- Played high-stakes poker online
- Created the “Million Duel” in 2013 to promote poker
- Reached several NM final tables
- Member of the Norwegian Poker Hall of Fame
Andreas Torbergsen
Andreas Torbergsen became famous online under the name “Skjervøy.” He was one of the top PLO (Pot-Limit Omaha) players in the world. In 2011, he was named Online Player of the Year by both the Nordic Poker Awards and the European Poker Awards. That year, he was the top player in Europe and second only to Dan Cates worldwide. He was also the first player ever to win over $1 million on two different sites, earning the rare “Double Top Hat Award” from PTR.
Key facts:
- Top PLO player in 2011
- Online Player of the Year (Nordic and European Poker Awards, 2011)
- First to receive PTR’s “Double Top Hat Award”
Sigurd Eskeland
Sigurd Eskeland has helped grow Norwegian poker for many years. He first made his mark as a player by winning a WSOP bracelet, becoming the third Norwegian to do so. In 2013, he became the first President of the Norwegian Poker Association. He led the group until 2022 when he chose to step down.
Key facts:
- Third Norwegian to win a WSOP bracelet
- President of the Norwegian Poker Association (2013–2022)
- Helped promote poker to media, people, and politicians
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