Thor Hansen

Thor Hansen, fondly remembered as “The Godfather of Norwegian Poker,” achieved legendary status in the poker world, with his influence and accomplishments spanning decades. Born and raised in Norway, Hansen emerged as one of the most respected and successful players from Europe, amassing total live tournament earnings of $2,949,644. His competitive spirit and skill shone during one of his finest moments on June 24th, 2007, at the 38th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he secured his best live cash prize of $188,256 by finishing 8th in the prestigious $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E. event.

Hansen’s impact on poker extended beyond his earnings; he also won two WSOP bracelets. He claimed his first bracelet in 1988 by triumphing in the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event, earning $158,000. He captured a second bracelet in 2002 by winning the $1,500 No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball event, taking home a prize of $62,600. Known for his warm personality and dedication to the game, Hansen remained a cherished figure in the poker community until his passing in 2018, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire players worldwide.

Thor Hansen: Early Life

Thor Hansen, born on June 23, 1947, showed an early interest in games of skill and chance. Starting out as a pool player, he displayed a natural talent, which soon led him to the racetrack—a fascination he began nurturing as early as age seven. In the late 1960s, Hansen discovered poker, playing regularly with his older brother at the local racetrack. This early exposure helped him develop a deep love for poker, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career in the game.

As one of the first Europeans to compete at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in the 1980s, Hansen became a trailblazer, inspiring countless players across Scandinavia and Europe. His reputation as a skilled and formidable player attracted the attention of famed publisher and poker enthusiast Larry Flynt, who recruited Hansen to play for him after a memorable game in Las Vegas in the mid-1990s.

The Resilient Journey of Thor Hansen

Thor Hansen’s life was both storied and influential, marked by challenges and triumphs that shaped his legacy. His remarkable journey left an indelible impact on the poker world and beyond. Throughout much of his professional career, Hansen divided his time between Southern California and Las Vegas. In 1999, he married Marcella Braswell, an American, with whom he shared his life.

In 2012, doctors in the United States diagnosed Hansen with cancer, giving him only months to live. Despite this grim prognosis, Hansen returned to Norway and began chemotherapy, defying the odds for another six years. His resilience and passion for life reflected his character, inspiring both peers and fans alike.

Hansen passed away at age 71 after a long, courageous battle with cancer in 2018. British poker player Barny Boatman remarked on Hansen’s impact, stating, “Thor Hansen was that rarest of things, an international treasure. Let’s let his family and friends know how much we all feel the loss of this lovely man.”

Finding Strength in Grief

After Hansen’s passing, his wife, Marcella, remained in Norway. Navigating her own grief, she stayed in Oslo, even attending Norwegian classes as she worked toward building a life there.

Filmmakers Kari Wåle and Linn Amundsen pay tribute to Thor Hansen’s life story and legacy. Smile, a documentary that highlights his resilience and the joy he brought to the poker community. The film captures the profound impact he had on those around him, celebrating both his challenges and triumphs.

Hansen’s book ‘Uncensored’ was published over 14 years ago. It offers further insight into his incredible journey serving as a testament to a life lived fully and fiercely.

Thor Hansen: Live Tournament Participation

Thor Hansen’s journey in poker is marked by a series of impressive tournament performances, each showcasing his skill and resilience. Hansen made his debut in January 1987 at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas. He competed in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event, finishing in 8th place and earning $9,990. 

Just a year later, he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet on May 8, 1988, in the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event. He took home $158,000. This victory marked Hansen as a rising star and one of the early European pioneers in the WSOP.

In 2002, Hansen secured his second WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball event, earning $62,600. Two years later, he triumphed at the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles, finishing first in the $330 Limit Hold’em event and adding $139,830 to his accolades. 

Hansen continued to excel, placing 2nd in the 2006 WSOP $3,000 Omaha Hi/Lo event and earning $155,443, followed by a strong 4th place finish in the 2007 WSOP $5,000 World Championship Limit Hold’em event, which netted him $93,008.

In March 2018, Hansen participated in his final tournament at the Irish Poker Open & Norwegian Championships in Dublin, finishing in 98th place in the €800 No Limit Hold’em Main Event and earning $2,441. His tournament record reflects a remarkable career and his enduring commitment to the game, even in his final months.

A Life Well Lived

Thor Hansen’s life was a journey of courage, resilience, and a profound love for poker. From his early days in Norway, where he found excitement at the racetrack and honed his skills at pool tables, he became a poker pioneer. With two WSOP bracelets and nearly $3 million in live tournament earnings, Hansen became a legend through countless memorable matches. Yet, it was his warmth and humility that left the deepest impression on those who knew him.

Even while battling cancer and refusing to give up the game he loved, Hansen played with grace and strength, defying the odds for years. In his final months, he returned to Norway to be close to his roots, a quiet testament to his courage amid life’s fragility. His story, poignantly captured in the documentary Smile, serves as a bittersweet reminder of a life lived with heart, generosity, and an unyielding spirit.