The Danish Invasion: Theo Jorgensen Wins Bracelet

By Rod Stirzaker Sep 26, 2008 | 2 months ago

Theo Jorgensen after his victory at the 2008 WSOPE, Event 3 (PLO).

Theo Jorgensen soared past a star-studded, 160-strong field to pick up Denmark's second bracelet of the WSOPE. In Event 3, £5,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha, he overcame the challenge posed by Canadian young gun Sorel Mizzi heads-up to win £218,626 to go with the much-coveted WSOPE bracelet.

Theo has a long string of cashes spanning many years to his name, this being the biggest and most prestigious.

Shortly after his win, we caught up with the man of the moment to ask a few questions.

Theo, congratulations on the win. How does it feel to win the bracelet?!

How do you think it feels! [laugh] It feels great!

It's not so much that it's a bracelet or EPT or WPT. I mean I've come fourth, eighth in finals before when I've had big situations, so it's nice to win this one!

It's interesting that two Danes have won bracelets in the first two events. Do you think there's any reason why the Danes appear to be picking up such good results?

Not really. To be honest I just think it's coincidence. If we played these events again, what are the chances of two Danes winning bracelets?

Heads-up for the bracelet.

So it wasn't the case that seeing your fellow countryman win a bracelet gave you more confidence to go on and do well here?

Not really; it had nothing to do with it! [laugh]

Fair enough!

Just to focus on the tournament for a moment; being an Omaha tournament, there are times when you have to get lucky, where you have big coin-flip situations or two big hands face off. You had a few of those during the tournament didn't you?

Yes, sometimes in Omaha tournaments, there are spots you can't get out of; you just have to go with it.

During the tournament, there were tough spots and situations but you came through them. One example was where Sorel had a wrap draw versus your top two and the wrap hit on the turn and it looked like you were out.

When you hit the ace on the river to make a house, did you feel like you must be destined to win?

Heart-stopping moment en route to victory! 

No, I don't believe in that. I don't believe that destiny shapes the game. You just have to focus and concentrate and do what you can. Luck's going to take care of the rest!

You've had a long career filled with good cashes. You must have accumulated a lot of experience along the way. Are there any tips you would give to young players just starting out in the game?

One of the biggest problems the young kids face coming into the game is their ego. It's way too big in some cases and that's got to hit them where it hurts.

Sometimes they think they're invincible and in poker, you soon find out you're not! You just have to concentrate on every single hand, make the best decisions you can and things will work out.

What did you think of some of the young players at the final table like Jason Mercier and Sorel Mizzi? These young players are growing a big reputation with some great results. Were you impressed with their play?

Sorel's play impressed Theo. 

Yes, I was especially with Sorel, as he hasn't really played Omaha much. I played with him earlier on in the tournament and maybe early on, he made a few small mistakes but as the tournament progressed he seemed to get better and better and heads-up he was playing really really well. He impressed me a lot.

Do you think if you're a good Hold'em player, you can pick up Omaha and be as proficient at that?

I don't know. I guess if you're a good Hold'em player then you must be a good poker player, and I can't see why you wouldn't be able to pick it up. So I would say yes.

Last question. How are you going to celebrate your win?

I'm just going to have a few drinks. I'm playing the Main Event so I'm going to keep fresh for that.

 
I love you!

Well thanks for speaking to us, best of luck for the Main Event and congratulations once again.

Thank you!

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In what was an immensely entertaining and tough tournament, Theo bested the field to take the gold and with the skill he showed here, we will no doubt be seeing the Dane's name crop up again on the winner's podium sometime soon. 

For a full account of the day's play, click here to see the action as it occurred.