Norway's most prestigious poker event—the Norwegian Poker Championship—will return to Norway this September. This annual event will be held from September 28 to October 8, offering Norwegians a unique opportunity to participate in a well-organized poker festival on home soil.
The championship includes 29 tournaments, 8 of which are open to international players. The series kicks off at noon Central European Summer Time with a 2,500 Norwegian Kroner Big Bet Mix. Pre-registration starts on June 22 through the Betzzi registration portal, with a fee of 20,000 Kroner, in compliance with the Norwegian government's regulations on the global maximum monthly loss limit.
Poker is a game of strategy and skill, with a long history in Norway. Once considered a game for drifters and swindlers, played in the back rooms of smoky casinos and bars, it has now transformed into one of the world's most popular card games.
In 2003, Chris Moneymaker's unexpected victory at the World Series of Poker significantly boosted the game's popularity in Norway. Despite the country's strict gambling laws, the government has relaxed some restrictions, allowing poker games under certain conditions.
The Impact of Poker in Norway
The buy-in limit for the championship is 20,000 Kroner, while regional qualifiers have a cap of 5,000 Kroner. All events will take place at the Gardermoen Convention Center at the Oslo Airport Thon Hotel.
Last year's championship was a memorable event. The main event's final table saw over 900 players eliminated down to one champion, Lars Hareid (as shown in the image above), who won the championship title and a prize of 110,768 Euros. The championship also attracted the participation of chess superstar and world champion Magnus Carlsen.
This year's championship is equally anticipated, with high stakes, intense competition, and the thrill of the game capturing the hearts of Norwegians and players from around the world. As the countdown to the championship begins, players are honing their skills and strategies, ready to give their all in the ultimate poker showdown.
