Introducing Gus Hansen … Winner of the Inaugural World Poker Tour Event

In my last column, I wrote about the Five Diamond World Poker Classic, which took place at Bellagio in Las Vegas as the first event of the World Poker Tour. Gus Hansen, the eventual winner, was in 10th place after the first day of play with $56,150; in fourth place after day No. 2 with $158,000; in fourth place after day No. 3 with $313,700; and the leader after day No. 4 with slightly more than $1 million. Hansen was able to hold on to his lead and take home the title, the trophy, and $556,480. Immediately after toasting his victory, he was gracious enough to sign autographs for the final-table dealers and allow me plenty of time for an interview, which follows:

Linda Johnson: Congratulations, Gus. How old are you and where do you live?

Gus Hansen: Thank you. I am 28 years old and live in Copenhagen, Denmark.

LJ: What do you do for a living?

GH: I am a gambler, and play backgammon as well as poker.

LJ: I haven't read your name before in Card Player. Have you won many poker tournaments?

GH: Actually, this is my first win in a major tournament, and it is very thrilling.

LJ: How long have you been playing poker?

GH: The first time I actually played poker was in 1993, but it was only for a brief play. I would say that I really started playing seriously in 1997, when I spent time at The Mirage.

LJ: What is the status of poker in Denmark?

GH: It is nonexistent. Government taxes make poker prohibitive. I can't say that poker will never come to Denmark, but I think it will be many years before it does.

LJ: How often do you visit the United States?

GH: Two or three times a year, although I may visit more often now to play in other World Poker Tour events.

LJ: You have won an entry into the $25,000 Battle of Champions that will be held at Bellagio at the end of the WPT season. What will your strategy be in that event?

GH: Against this tough field today, I got lucky at various times and hit some cards. Now, people know who I am, and I may have to change my strategy a little. It's nice to be a contender.

LJ: What is your favorite poker game?

GH: I play all games, but I am starting to prefer hold'em.

LJ: What limits do you prefer?

GH: Recently, I have been playing in the $400-$800 range.

LJ: Whom did you fear most at the final table today?

GH: Scotty Nguyen, even though he ended up going out in sixth place. I respect his play a lot, and know him to be a fierce competitor. He moves his chips very well. I think all the finalists were dangerous, and it was a tough battle.

LJ: At what point were you confident you would win?

GH: Well, I was fortunate to have the lead for most of the day. I made some bluffs that worked out, and also caught some key cards at opportune times. Many times it comes down to one or two key hands, such as the last pot we played today, when we both had good cards. (Gus had K-K; John Juanda had A-J.)

LJ: Did you make a deal at the final table?

GH: No. I don't usually suggest a deal. Had John brought it up, I would have been happy to discuss a deal, but neither one of us ever mentioned making a deal.

LJ: What are your plans for the near future?

GH: I'll be returning to Denmark, and have no real plans other than to sit back, relax, and enjoy life.

My interview with Gus was very enjoyable, as he has a very upbeat personality. I wish him a very successful future.

Now, let's play poker.

For more information on the World Poker Tour, Card Player Cruises, poker in Costa Rica, the World Poker Industry Conference, or the World Poker Players Conference, please E-mail me at cardplayercruise@aol.com, or see the website at www.cardplayercruises.com. Please send me any column suggestions on topics that interest you.