Gus Hansen, whose real name is Gustav Jacobsen, is a Danish professional poker player known for his aggressive playing style and early success in the poker world. Born in 1974, Hansen’s journey into professional poker began in 1997, but his competitive spirit was honed through high-level backgammon play before that.
Early Poker Success
Gus Hansen burst onto the poker scene in 2002 when he claimed victory in the $10,000 Five Diamond World Poker Classic, winning $556,460. He continued his winning streak in 2003 by capturing the title at the L.A. Poker Classic, which earned him $532,490. Over the following decade, from 2002 to 2012, Hansen accumulated millions in live tournament winnings, establishing himself as a formidable force in the poker world.
One of his most significant cashes came in 2008 when he finished in second place in the $25,000 World Poker Tour Championship Event, securing a prize of $1,714,800.
Online Poker Success
In addition to his live tournament achievements, Gus Hansen was one of the early pioneers of online poker. He amassed over $10 million in total live earnings and claimed a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet by winning the Heads-Up High Roller event at the 2010 WSOPE. While a portion of his earnings came from WSOP events, Hansen’s success extended far beyond the WSOP.
Hansen’s aggressive playing style made him a natural fit for high-stakes poker shows like “High Stakes Poker.” He became a fan favorite on the show, and his memorable hands, such as making quads against Daniel Negreanu’s full house, added to his legend.
The Downswing and Temporary Departure
Despite his early success, Gus Hansen’s poker journey took a downturn. By 2015, it was reported that his online losses amounted to upwards of $20 million. This severe downswing prompted him to step away from the poker world temporarily and seek alternative means to recover his losses.
During his hiatus, Hansen worked a regular 9-to-5 job, a significant departure from his life as a professional poker player. While his break from poker was not permanent, it offered him an opportunity to reevaluate his approach to the game and financial management.
In a 2016 interview, Hansen noted the differences between the poker landscape in the early 2000s and the contemporary scene. He observed that poker players back then had more opportunities, such as sponsorships and freerolls, and that the game had evolved with players becoming more skilled and conservative.
Return to Poker
Gus Hansen gradually made his return to the poker scene. He resurfaced in high-stakes cash games, participating in Bobby’s Room at the Bellagio and making appearances on the revived “High Stakes Poker” show. In 2019, he also played in the WSOP Main Event and cashed for $20,200.
Although Hansen’s recent poker journey may not match the level of success he enjoyed in the early 2000s, his return to the game is a heartening story for those who followed his career. While he may never recapture the same heights, his presence in the poker world remains significant, and fans of “The Great Dane” hope to see more of him when the poker world returns to normalcy.
Gus Hansen’s poker career has seen both soaring highs and challenging lows, making him a figure of intrigue and resilience in the world of professional poker.