by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Jan 26, 2012 | Updated on Jan 26, 2012Thor Hansen is a Norwegian poker legend, and rightfully so after he has won a lot of cash in his career as well as two World Series of Poker bracelets. He is only 64 but was recently told he may have under two years to live because he has been diagnosed with cancer. Hansen has yet to officially come out with a statement, but the 2+2 forums broke this story after Hansen was admitted to St. Mays hospital for surgery, a surgery that led him to being diagnosed.Hansen is one of the first players of European background to be seen regularly on the US tournament circuit. Fellow Norwegian Annette Obrestad was shocked by the news and a via her 2+2 account she said, “I seriously cried when I read this. I don’t know anyone like him. He truly is one of a kind. All the best Thor, ur an inspiration for us all.” Andreas Hoivold, yet another Norwegian player, commented on the whole scenario through his Twitter account when he said, “It is a very sad day for Norwegian poker. The world’s best Thor Hansen has terminal cancer. He is now in a hospital recovering from surgery.”Hansen has a very impressive list of accomplishments, highlighted of course by his two bracelets. He has also finished in the top 10 at the WSOP 19 times. The WSOP is not the only place Hansen shined though, in 2008 he finished in 8th place in the Player’s Championships and has earned more than $2.9 million. Hansen won that much money in his career without ever recording a cash-out of over $190,000. We wish all the best to Thor and are praying for a recovery. It is not every day that someone with this much of an impact on the poker world comes around, thanks for everything Thor!
