The Great Dane

Gus Hansen was a player of sorts long before his career in poker started. In his teens Gus was a fairly active sports better and a youth tennis champion. Later in life Gus became one of the world's top backgammon players, tried to make a living at the game in New York and abroad but felt the opportunities were too slim, so he started playing poker in Santa Cruz, California.

Now a top professional in poker, Gus is widely known for his loose and aggressive play. "I play the players, not the cards" he says.

Individuality is paramount to the free-spirited Hansen. He loves to gamble, and enjoys not having to answer to anyone. "It sounds egotistical, but if I have to choose between you and me," he has said, "it’s me, baby." Poker's pretty boy Hansen is romantically unattached, and liking it that way.

Most people know Gus Hansen from his aggressive appearances on the World Poker Tour. He won both events at the Bellagio and at the Commerce Casino. He is a very talented no-limit player and has attained a reputation as the craziest poker player in the game because he is not afraid to play any hand and play it very aggressively. He is very selective in which tournaments he plays and generally only joins some of the larger buy-in events

When asked what his secret is, Hansen responds, “Not to say that I am a great player or anything, but somebody has to win.”

Fun Facts

• Listened to Pink Floyd to learn English
• In 2004, Gus was inducted into the Poker Walk of Fame (One of three players)
• In 2004, was voted one of People magazine's sexiest men alive
• Former backgammon player