Hansen wins first title at World Series of Poker Europe
Danish poker professional Gus Hansen won his first World Series of Poker individual event champion’s bracelet in London over the weekend.
Hansen captured the title in the No-Limit Hold’em High-Roller Heads-Up Championship at World Series of Poker Europe at the Casino at the Empire. He topped a field of 103 players to win $451,880 for first place.
Hansen, 36, is known as “The Great Dane.” He was born in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. He resides in Monte Carlo, but has lived in New York City, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Las Vegas.
Hansen appears frequently on various television shows, including High Stakes Poker and Late Night Poker, and he has won and lost more than a million dollars several times during his poker career.
After winning the event, Hansen said he was glad that he finally owned a gold bracelet that had long eluded him.
“At the World Series of Poker, there is so much tradition,” Hansen said. “I was around for some of it and have been a part of that group. So, to finally come here and win this gold bracelet feels very special.”
The runner up was Jim Collopy, who is originally from Washington DC but now resides in London. He won $279,406.
The heads-up format was a best two-of-three series. The winner was required to win two heads-up matches. The final score was 2-1 in favor of Hansen.
