Thor Hansen, known affectionately as the ‘Godfather of Poker’, has passed away at the age of 71. Hansen, a multiple title holder dating back to his first bracelet in 1988, was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 but continued to play, and win, throughout his treatment, even as recently as March when he won the Norwegian Open. Hansen is third on Norway’s all-time poker earnings list at just under $3 million, behind Felix Stephensen and Annette Obrestad. Former opponents and poker fans have paid tribute to Hansen, citing not just his ability but his warm personality.

Poker lost a great human being, and a great player. RIP Thor Hansen #Battler #GreatPerson https://t.co/TEyfGwx0Qf

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) December 5, 2018

Thor Hansen was one of the most respected, beloved poker players in history. His behavior at the table was impeccable – never berated dealers, never criticized other players, & never whined about bad beats. Everyone ♥️ him. 1st WSOP bracelet winner from Norway (‘88). #icon #RIP

— Mike Sexton (@Mike_partypoker) December 5, 2018

Poker Pedigree

Hansen, born in 1947, began playing poker in his teenage years when he would “play in the woods with people” before he moved to the USA to take it up professionally. Hansen’s first WSOP bracelet arrived in 1988 when he won the $5,000 Seven Card Stud for $158,000, adding a second in 2002 when he took down the $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball event for $62,600. Other notable titles included the Five Diamond World Poker Classic, California State Poker Championship, LA Poker Classic, the Legends of Poker, the Carnivale of Poker, and the Festa al Lago Classic.

Taking on Cancer

The mettle that allowed Hansen to establish himself as one of the world’s great players was also evident when he got his cancer diagnosis in 2012. When he was told he had only months to live, Hansen battled on and defied the odds once again. Hansen said of the encounter: “I told the doctors, I took so many bad beats in poker. It’s no big deal.” His three-month prognosis turned into six years, but anyone who had seen him play wouldn’t be surprised at his ability to defy odds through discipline and perseverance.
Despite his long and distinguished career, Hansen was never inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame despite three nominations. Perhaps his passing will earn him a posthumous entry, which would be well deserved in our opinion.