Norwegian Poker Championship returns in September

Lea Hogg August 13, 2024

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Norwegian Poker Championship returns in September

The Norwegian Poker Championship, the country’s most prestigious poker event, is set to return to Norway this September. This annual event, running from 28 September to 8 October, offers Norwegians a unique opportunity to participate in an organized poker festival on their home turf.

The championship comprises a series of 29 events, eight of which are open to international players. The series kicks off at noon CEST with the 2,500 Norwegian krone (kr) Big Bet Mix. Pre-registration began on 22 June via the Betzzi registration portal, with a fee of 20,000 kr, an amount designed to comply with the Norwegian government’s maximum global monthly loss limit.

Poker, a game of strategy and skill, has a rich history in Norway. Once considered a game for drifters and tricksters, played in smoke-filled casinos and dodgy back rooms of bars, poker has transformed into one of the world’s most popular card games. The game’s popularity in Norway surged after Chris Moneymaker’s unexpected victory at the World Series of Poker in 2003. Despite the country’s strict gambling laws, the government has relaxed some restrictions, allowing poker games to take place under certain circumstances.

Poker’s impact in Norway

The buy-ins for the championship tournaments are capped at 20,000 kr, while regional qualifiers have a limit of 5,000 kr. All events will take place at the Thon Congress Gardermoen, a conference centre located at the Thon Hotel Oslo Airport.

Last year’s championship was a memorable event.?The final table of the Main Event saw over 900 players whittled down to one champion, Lars Hareid, (in photo above), who walked away with the title and a prize of €110,768.?The championship also featured the participation of chess superstar and world champion Magnus Carlsen.

This year’s championship promises to be just as exciting, with high stakes, intense competition, and the thrill of the game that has captured the hearts of Norwegians and players worldwide. As the countdown to the championship begins, players are honing their skills and strategies, ready to go all-in for the ultimate poker showdown.