Jan Vang Sorensen

Jan Vang Sorensen (1955-2024) was a retired Danish football player turned professional poker player from Odense, Denmark. He won over $2.2 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $800,972 came when he finished in 1st place at the Master Classics of Poker in November 2008. Additionally, Sorensen held two WSOP bracelets. He won the first bracelet at the 33rd WSOP in May 2002 and his second bracelet at the 36th WSOP in June 2005.

Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly on February 2024, at the age of 68, with the cause of death remaining undisclosed.

Jan Vang Sorensen: Early Life

Jan Sorensen was born on May 14th, 1955. He gained recognition as a Danish striker, scoring three goals in 11 appearances for his country, and later managed a season at Bescot in 1997-1998. Sorensen also managed two clubs in Portugal before his final role as sporting director with Hvidovre IF in Denmark. After his time with Walsall, he settled in Tamworth, where he ran a pub called the Prince of Wales.

Jan Vang Sorensen: Live Tournament Participation

Sorensen recorded his first live cash at the 26th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas in May 1995. Specifically, he competed in a $2,500 Seven-Card Stud event and finished 16th, earning $3,500.

In June 2005, Sorensen achieved a significant milestone by winning the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. This victory earned him $293,275 and a WSOP bracelet.

Later that year, in November 2005, he continued to showcase his skills by placing 3rd in the €5,000 Main Event No Limit Hold’em at the Master Classics of Poker in Amsterdam City Centre, where he earned $157,635.

Additionally, in October 2005, Sorensen secured 5th place in the $10,000 + 200 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2nd Annual Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship, Bellagio Festa Al Lago IV in Las Vegas, earning $137,940.

In May 2002, Sorensen further demonstrated his poker expertise by winning the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 33rd WSOP in Las Vegas, which netted him $185,000 and another WSOP bracelet.

His most significant victory came in November 2008 when he captured 1st place in the €6,000 + 200 No Limit Hold’em event at the Master Classics of Poker in Amsterdam City Centre, securing $800,972.

Most recently, in March 2023, Sorensen participated in the €550 + 50 No Limit Hold’em Thor Hansen Memorial Mystery Bounty at the Poker North Masters & Norwegian Championship in Bratislava. Although he finished 51st, he still earned $647.

Conclusion

Jan Vang Sorensen’s impressive poker career, highlighted by two WSOP bracelets and a major tournament victory, solidified his status as a prominent player in the poker world. His achievements, including over $2.2 million in live tournament earnings, reflect his exceptional skill and dedication to the game. Despite his untimely passing in February 2024, Sorensen’s legacy in both football and poker remains significant and inspiring.