Norwegian Poker Legend, Two-Time Bracelet Winner Thor Hansen Passes Away71-Year-Old "Godfather" of Norway Poker Battled Cancer For More Than Six Years |
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Thor Hansen, a legend in the poker world both in his native Norway and in the States, has passed away at age 71 following a long battle with cancer.
Hansen was born in Oslo in 1947, but spent his later years splitting his time between the poker tables in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In fact, Hustler Casino and magazine owner Larry Flynt was so impressed with his game during a session in Las Vegas, that he hired Hansen to play for him in future games.
The first of his two World Series of Poker bracelets came in 1988. Hansen won the $5,000 seven card stud event for $158,000. He earned his second gold bracelet in 2002, topping the field in a $1,500 no-limit deuce to seven event.
Hansen also had wins at the L.A. Poker Classic, Carnivale of Poker, Five Diamond World Poker Classic, California State Poker Championship, Legends of Poker, and Festa al Lago Classic.
He racked up 189 live cashes during the course of his career, for a total of more than $2.6 million. That’s enough for third place on Norway’s all-time money list, behind only 2014 WSOP main event runner-up Felix Stephensen, and 2007 WSOP Europe main event champion Annette Obrestad.
Hansen published an autobiography in 2010, Thor Hansen: Usensurert (Uncensored) detailing a life that included not just high-stakes gambling, but also tales of smuggling, robbery, sex, and murder. There was even talk in 2016 of turning his life story into a movie.
He is survived by his wife Marcella Braswell.
Thor Hansen-great memories is right @padraigpoker. After being chip leader in an early WPT, reporter asked him, “What are you going to do with $1m if you win?” Thor said, “I’ll pay off a few debts.” Reporter said, “What about the rest?” Thor said, “They’ll have to wait.” #classic https://t.co/e1gHzvuZSA
— Mike Sexton (@Mike_partypoker) December 5, 2018
I distinctly remember the 1st time I met Thor Hansen in 2005. He made me smile then, and every single time I saw him subsequently. Just listening to him talk made me happy. He was a true gentleman and a sweetheart. He will be missed #RIPThor
— Cliff Josephy (@JohnnyBaxPoker) December 5, 2018
Rip Thor Hansen one of my favorite people in poker always smiling and always nice to everyone
— Robert Mizrachi (@PokerRob24) December 5, 2018
The poker world has lost a legend.
RIP Thor Hansen, you will be sorely missed.@PokerStarsBlog tribute: https://t.co/ubPpiLVyBU pic.twitter.com/AO9iVP3Xoo— PokerStars (@PokerStars) December 5, 2018
Sad to hear of Thor Hansen’s passing. I remember him as being a light hearted, kind and gentle person. Always a pleasure to be around. RIP Thor
— Sorel Mizzi (@sorelmizzi) December 5, 2018
This day is so damn sad :(
RIP Thor Hansen
A few words I wrote for the local newspaper (in Norwegian)https://t.co/2ehIyqeXlB https://t.co/2ehIyqeXlB— Andreas Høivold (@AndreasHoivold) December 5, 2018
Thor Hansen never wore headphones or covered up in a hoodie. He wanted to talk to everyone. No one was a stranger to Thor. Poker will miss you sir! #ripThor
— Joshua Arieh (@golferjosh) December 5, 2018
A class act and a master of getting it quietly. #ThorHansen https://t.co/2aBoaaaIC2
— Joe Beevers (@joebeevers) December 5, 2018
When I worked @BellagioPoker I remember Thor Hansen coming in and treating every player and staff member with the utmost respect. They don’t make many like him with such grace and class playing the game we all love. RIP sir.
— Sean McCormack (@ThePokerBoss) December 5, 2018
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