The Top 5 Scandinavian Poker Players To Watch

(Photo: Cardplayer.com)

The group of countries collectively known as Scandinavia are well known for many things. Generally speaking, when one things of Scandinavia, it is Sweden, Norway & Denmark that comes to mind. However, there are other countries sometimes included in the grouping, such as the Faroe Islands, Finland & Iceland. And in recent times, many quality poker players have emerged from this countries, to make their stamp on the world poker scene. Here, we examine some of the ones to look out for in the coming years, and tournaments, players that are sure to become well known on the circuit.

Annette Obrestad

Already very well known in her native Norway, Annette Obrestad has the distinct accomplishment of having earned well over $2.7 million, without ever having entered a tournament in the United States. Other notable achievements include having won the WSOPE Main Event in 2007 (prize of $1m), and having earned approx $1m in online casino winnings, without even depositing 1 cent of her own.

Chris Björin

Hailing from Sweden, Chris has won two WSOP Bracelets in his time, and can boast having 47 WSOP cashes, placing him tenth on the list of all time cashes. To date, he has earned well over $4 million in tournaments all over the world. Chris is definitely one to look out for.

(Photo: WSOP.com)

Peter Eastgate

This 23 year old from Denmark is very well respected around the poker tables of the world. Last year's win at the Main Event netted him a huge win of over $9.1 million, and this win cemented his place amongst the top Scandinavian Poker earners in history. Budding players hoping to mirror Peter's success could start this journey by visiting APNET for top tips.

Patrik Antonius

Although not as well accomplished (yet), as those already listed, this Finland native is definitely one to be on the lookout for. He can frequently be seen on shows like “High Stakes Poker” and “Poker After Dark”, and as a former male model, has managed to utilize both his good looks and his style of play, into a successful career. Patrik, a Full Tilt regular, does not shy away from high stake games. To date, this player has earned over $2.8 million in career winnings, but this number is sure to expand in time.

Gus Hansen

Denmark's own Gus Hansen is well known all over the world, as the first ever World Poker Tour winner back in 2002. A fearless player, Gus has had triumphs at many major tournaments, and yet the WSOP Bracelet continues to elude him, despite having had many deep runs in previous years. To date, Hansen has banked over $7.4 million from tournament wins, and he is sure to add to this heady sum in the many years to come.

This is just a small sample of some of the talent that Scandinavia has produced. This collection of countries will continue to be a place to watch for up and coming and emerging new talent.