Jesper Hougaard - WSOP Event 36 winner Bio

News / nono / 23 June 2008 / Leave a comment

The 2008 $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em champion Jesper Hougaard, from Copenhagen, Denmark. He is a 24-year-old professional poker player.

Hougaard was a player, and later a coach for the Danish National Table Tennis Team. A few years ago, he left his position on the team to play in cash games and poker tournaments throughout Europe.

Hougaard stated that his poker success had its roots in table tennis. He cited the ability to lose a point or a game in table tennis and being forced to immediately re-focus on the next shot as a key quality for winning poker players. "You have to regroup," he said. "That is something we do (in table tennis). You have to always get ready for the next match."

Hougaard's interest in poker was largely inspired by the success of fellow countryman Gus Hansen. After "the Great Dane" won several major poker tournaments a few years ago, poker's popularity exploded in Denmark, carrying Hougaard amongst its newest converts.

Hougaard is Danish. But he lived for many years in England. His father was an official with N.A.T.O. and was stationed in London.

Immediately after his victory, Hougaard was interviewed by Howard David from ESPN360. Hougaard was asked about a key hand at the final table where he managed to catch a lucky card on the river which knocked out a dangerous opponent, Aaron Kanter. "When I hit that card, I jumped up higher than Kobe Bryant," Hougaard said. Sportscaster Howard David could not let the comment go without retorting, "Wait a minute - no one in Denmark jumps higher than Kobe Bryant!" Hougaard responded, "Yeah, but I did!"

Hougaard was cheered on by an enthusiastic group of more than a dozen Danish friends and fans. At times, this made the final table seem like an Olympic event. Chants in Danish were heard from start to finish.

Hougaard cited the fans and many people watching the broadcast back in Denmark as keys to keeping him focused on victory. "I want to thank everyone in Denmark and Greenland who I know has been watching this," he said. "I know it is six-o'clock in the morning (over there) right now. I am so glad to could make it worthwhile. Thank you."

Hougaard dominated play during most of the final day. However, there was one point during heads-up play when he lost this chip lead. He then went on a much needed break. Hougaard stated that he called his father and brother, living in Denmark. He also put on headphones and listened to a popular song called "Eye of the Tiger." Fifteen minutes after the break, Hougaard was the victor.