When you think of global poker powerhouses, Norway might not be the first country that comes to mind. Yet, this Scandinavian nation has quietly produced many skilled and successful poker players in the world. From high-stakes cash game crushers to tournament legends, Norwegian players have made a lasting mark on the game.
Where people play online in Norway?
Despite Norway’s strict gambling laws where only Norsk Tipping is state-approved for gambling, many players turn to international poker platforms or use VPNs to access broader markets.
In recent years, online poker and casino gaming have become increasingly intertwined, especially with the rise of hybrid platforms that offer both. Sites like nyttcasino.com have become valuable resources for players looking to explore reputable international casino and poker platforms. These platforms provide a far wider range of games, including high-stakes casino tables, live poker rooms and fast-fold formats. This accessibility not only keeps Norwegian players competitive but also introduces them to new opportunities in the broader iGaming ecosystem.
Norway’s poker prominence can be traced back to pioneers like Thor Hansen, affectionately known as the “Godfather” of Norwegian poker. With two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets to his name, Hansen’s legacy has inspired a new generation of talented players who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Several Norwegian poker players have solidified their positions among the world’s elite. Kayhan Mokri Roshanfekr is ranked 41st globally with an impressive GPI score of 3,085.08. Close behind is Jon Kyte, who holds a score of 2,574.20, placing him 140th in the world. Tom-Aksel Bedell follows with a score of 2,358.17, securing the 215th spot globally.
Collectively, Norwegian players have amassed over $150 million in live tournament earnings. Annette Obrestad made history in 2007 as the youngest-ever WSOP bracelet winner at just 18 years old, marking a significant milestone for the Norwegian poker scene. Furthermore, over 20 Norwegian players have achieved seven-figure earnings in poker, reflecting the country’s strong presence in the global poker community. Despite strict gambling regulations, online poker participation in Norway has increased by 35% since 2020.
The 2024 Norwegian Poker Championship made waves with a record-breaking 4000 participants showcasing the growing talent pool in the country. Vebjørn Monstad emerged as the champion winning 1,217,500 NOK (100k EUR). Norway’s online poker scene has seen a noticeable shift toward fast-fold poker and Spin & Go formats as players seek quicker and more dynamic games. These trends highlight a growing interest in fast-paced poker experiences that appeal to a wide range of players.
The country’s cold climate and long, dark winters may also contribute to the rise of poker talent. After all, what better way to pass the time than by mastering a strategic, cerebral game like poker? Beyond geography, however, Norway’s strong educational system, particularly in mathematics, along with a disciplined national mindset and a passion for competitive games, all play key roles in shaping its poker excellence.
Thor Hansen
Thor Hansen, often referred to as the “Godfather of Norwegian Poker,” was a legendary figure in the world of poker, known not only for his exceptional skills but also for his pivotal role in the rise of poker in Norway and beyond. Born on June 23, 1947, in Oslo, Hansen’s poker journey began in the late 1960s when he first picked up the game in his youth. His natural talent quickly became evident, and by the early 1980s, Hansen was already making a name for himself in the poker world, becoming one of the first Europeans to compete in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
Hansen’s career was defined by several significant achievements, most notably his two WSOP bracelets. One in 1988 in Seven-card Stud and another in 2002 in Deuce-to-Seven Lowball. Over the years, Hansen accumulated nearly $3 million in live tournament earnings, with a significant portion of his success coming from his performances at the WSOP. His mastery of various poker variants and his ability to read opponents became legendary, earning him respect both on and off the poker table.
Beyond tournament poker, Hansen’s reputation as a high-stakes player led him to be recruited by the famous American businessman Larry Flynt in the mid-1990s. Flynt, the owner of Hustler Casino, invited Hansen to play poker for him, which was a clear indication of Hansen’s prominence in the world of professional poker.
Hansen was also a mentor to many aspiring players, particularly from Norway. His guidance helped several young players hone their skills and approach the game with the same passion and dedication that he demonstrated throughout his career. In 2005, Hansen’s contributions to the game were recognized when he became the first Norwegian to receive the prestigious Poker Player of the Year award.
Despite facing immense personal challenges, including being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012, Hansen’s commitment to poker remained unwavering. He continued to play and inspire others, even in the face of adversity. His resilience and love for the game were evident until his passing on December 5, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. Thor Hansen’s legacy lives on through the countless players he mentored, the impact he had on the Norwegian poker scene, and his lasting influence on the global poker community.
Annette Obrestad
Annette Obrestad is widely regarded as the most iconic Norwegian poker player and one of the youngest poker legends in the history of the game. She burst onto the international scene in 2007 when she won the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event in London just one day before her 19th birthday. This victory not only earned her a staggering £1 million prize but also made her the youngest player ever to win a WSOP bracelet, a record that still stands today.
Before her WSOPE triumph, Obrestad had already built a reputation online under the alias “Annette_15”. She started playing online poker at the age of 15, initially without depositing any money, using winnings from freeroll tournaments to build her bankroll. Her aggressive, fearless style and strong reading ability quickly caught the attention of the poker community.
One of her most talked-about moments came in an online $4 buy-in, 180-player Sit & Go tournament where she claimed to have played without looking at her hole cards, except when facing an all-in. She went on to win the tournament, later stating that the experiment was designed to demonstrate the importance of position and reading opponents over relying on cards alone. This bold strategy earned her admiration and solidified her status as a tactical genius.
Obrestad’s success at a young age was instrumental in proving that youth and online experience could compete with live and seasoned pros. Her victory at the WSOPE in 2007 saw her defeat notable players including John Tabatabai heads-up and Patrick Antonius earlier in the event. At the time, she was also balancing her academic responsibilities, making her feat even more impressive.
Though she later reduced her poker activity and explored other ventures such as beauty content on YouTube, Obrestad’s legacy in the poker world remains strong. She paved the way for young, online-trained players to enter the live poker scene with confidence.
Espen Uhlen Jørstad
Espen Uhlen Jørstad is a Norwegian professional poker player best known for his historic win at the 2022 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he took home the massive $10 million top prize. With this victory, Jørstad not only etched his name in poker history but also became the first-ever Norwegian to win the WSOP Main Event which is arguably the most prestigious title in all of poker.
Born in May 1988 in Levanger Municipality, Norway, Jørstad had an unconventional path to poker greatness. Before becoming a full-time professional player, he studied brewing science at the University of Copenhagen, eventually working in a brewery before shifting careers. His analytical mindset and discipline from his academic background would later play a crucial role in his poker success. Jørstad began his poker journey online, playing under the screen names “Hymn2ninkasi” on PokerStars and “COVFEFE-19” on GGPoker. He became a sponsored pro with Unibet and started streaming on Twitch in 2016 under the name uhlenpoker, before later co-founding and streaming with the poker group channel Overbet Express.
His breakout year came in 2022 at the WSOP in Las Vegas. He first secured his first WSOP bracelet by winning the $1,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold’em event, alongside well-known British pro Patrick Leonard. But the real highlight came when he battled through a massive field of 8,663 players to win the $10,000 WSOP Main Event, defeating Adrian Attenborough heads-up. Jørstad’s win was not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for the Norwegian poker community, which had never before celebrated a WSOP Main Event titleholder. His performance was noted for its balance of patience, aggression and psychological insight.
As of 2023, Espen Uhlen Jørstad’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $18.1 million, placing him at the top of Norway’s all-time money list, and among the top 70 poker earners globally. Beyond his poker results, Jørstad is an active content creator, sharing insights into professional poker life, strategies and travel through Twitch and other social media platforms. He is now regarded as one of Norway’s biggest poker icons and his 2022 performance continues to inspire new players from Scandinavia and beyond.
Felix Stephensen
Felix Vincent Stephensen is one of Norway’s most successful professional poker players, best known for his remarkable performance in the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he finished as the runner-up. Competing against a field of 6,683 players, Stephensen secured second place, winning an impressive $5,147,911, the largest cash of his career and one of the biggest single payouts in Norwegian poker history.
Stephensen, born on 22 July 1990 in Oslo, was relatively unknown to the global poker audience before his deep WSOP run. At the time, he was a successful online cash game grinder, focusing primarily on Pot-Limit Omaha at mid to high stakes under the alias “FallAtyourFeet” on PokerStars.
His 2014 WSOP performance marked a turning point, not just for his career, but also for Norway’s presence on the international poker stage. He ultimately finished second to Martin Jacobson, the Swedish player who took home the $10 million first prize. Stephensen’s solid reads and tight-aggressive style earned him admiration from both fans and pros. Following his WSOP success, Stephensen has remained active in the poker scene, amassing over $5.8 million in total live tournament earnings. His live cashes span prestigious events across Europe and the United States, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier Norwegian talent.
In 2016, he also made headlines for opposing Norway’s strict gambling regulations, supporting campaigns that aimed to liberalize and modernize the country’s poker laws. His efforts, along with those of other Norwegian pros, helped bring attention to the challenges faced by poker players in a tightly regulated environment. Stephensen is often cited as a role model for aspiring poker players in Norway, proving that it’s possible to rise from online stakes to the pinnacle of live tournament poker. His journey continues to inspire the next generation of players looking to make their mark in both online and live events.
Tom-Aksel Bedell
Tom-Aksel Bedell is a highly respected figure in the world of poker, particularly known for his mastery in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) tournaments. Born in Norway and currently residing in Benidorm, Spain, Bedell has built an impressive career and established himself as one of the most formidable players in the high-stakes poker community. His journey in the world of poker began at a young age, with an early introduction to card games. Bedell started playing poker at the age of seven, a time when he was already honing his skills and developing a strategic mindset. His deep understanding of the game, particularly in PLO, allowed him to quickly adapt to the evolving dynamics of competitive poker.
Over the years, Bedell’s live tournament earnings have accumulated to over $4.9 million, reflecting his consistent success and presence at the top tables. One of his most significant achievements came in 2025 when he won the prestigious Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju, earning $709,000. This victory not only added a substantial amount to his career earnings but also reinforced his position as a top-tier player in the high-stakes poker circuit. His success continued with another notable win in the 2025 PLO Grand Slam in Tirana, where he secured €455,520, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable opponent in PLO tournaments.
Beyond his individual achievements, Bedell has become known for his calm composure and mental fortitude at the poker table. His approach to PLO, which requires both patience and aggression, has made him a feared player in the poker community. He is also known for his analytical approach, always assessing the game and his opponents’ tendencies, which allows him to make the most optimal decisions at critical moments.
His contributions to the poker scene are significant and he has helped raise the profile of PLO in particular, a variant of poker known for its complexity and skill-based nature. Bedell’s career continues to inspire those who seek to follow in his footsteps, and he remains one of the most respected players in the industry today. With his strategic prowess, solid performances in major tournaments, and ever-growing legacy, Bedell’s future in the poker world looks incredibly promising.
Johnny Lodden
Born on June 1, 1985, in Jørpeland, Norway, Johnny Lodden is a prominent figure in the poker world. He began his poker journey at the age of 16, learning the game from friends and quickly progressing to high-stakes online play. Under the alias “bad_ip” on the Prima network, Lodden engaged in high-stakes games with buy-ins up to $40,000, becoming one of the most notable winners in the online poker scene before the emergence of larger games on platforms like Full Tilt Poker.
In August 2007, Lodden faced a significant setback, losing his entire bankroll. He acknowledged this loss in an interview, stating he had to retire his “bad_ip” account and start anew with financial support from a friend. Despite this challenge, he continued to excel, joining Team PokerStars Pro in 2008 and later transitioning to partypoker in 2017 as an ambassador, aiming to expand the brand’s presence in the Nordic region.
Lodden’s live tournament career is equally impressive. He has cashed 22 times in European Poker Tour (EPT) Main Events, more than any other player. His notable performances include finishing third in the 2013 EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo, earning €467,000, and placing fourth in the same event in 2015 for €379,000. At the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event, he reached the 27th spot, securing a prize of over $300,000.
Throughout his career, Lodden has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming financial setbacks and evolving with the changing dynamics of the poker industry. His journey from online anonymity to becoming a respected ambassador for major poker brands highlights his dedication and influence in the poker community.
Kayhan Mokri
Kayhan Mokri, born on June 22, 1994, in Norway, is a professional poker player who has rapidly ascended in the competitive poker scene since transitioning to full-time play in 2018. Initially starting with online platforms, Mokri, known by his alias “KayhanMok” on PokerStars, achieved significant success, including a third-place finish in the 2021 Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) Main Event, earning approximately $791,074.
In live tournaments, Mokri’s breakthrough came in August 2022 at the EPT Barcelona, where he secured a sixth-place finish in the Main Event, earning €334,480. The following year, he achieved an unprecedented feat by winning the €100,000 EPT Super High Roller at EPT Barcelona, claiming €750,960. He remarkably defended his title in 2024, winning the same event for €1,372,420, nearly doubling his previous year’s earnings.
Mokri’s consistent performance continued with a victory at the Triton Poker Series in April 2024, where he topped a field of 144 entries in a $31,800 buy-in event, earning $1,005,000. As of April 2025, his total live tournament earnings have surpassed $7.9 million. Mokri’s rapid rise and back-to-back victories in high-stakes events have solidified his status as a formidable force in the poker world.
Final Thoughts
Norway’s remarkable track record in producing world-class poker players shows the nation’s strategic mindset, analytical prowess and deep-rooted dedication to the game. From legendary trailblazers like Thor Hansen, affectionately known as the “Godfather of Norwegian Poker,” to modern champions like Espen Uhlen Jørstad, who became Norway’s first WSOP Main Event winner in 2022, Norwegian players have consistently proven their ability to thrive at the highest levels of competition. The rise of Annette Obrestad, who stunned the poker world by winning a WSOP bracelet further highlights the nation’s deep talent pool.
With a disciplined approach, a competitive spirit and a strong poker community behind them, Norwegian players are not only keeping pace with global trends but also setting new standards. The country’s online poker scene is thriving and new formats like Spin & Go and fast-fold poker are further fueling growth among the next generation. Whether it’s at the WSOP, EPT or Triton Series, Norway continues to punch above its weight, producing players who command respect on the international stage.
