A rare and spectacular disqualification drama has unfolded at this year’s World Series of Poker Europe. In the €5.300 PLO European Championship in Prague, a player was removed from the tournament shortly before the decisive phase.
Read more King’s Resort – Yamil Angura wins the Pirates Opener!
Outburst costs big opportunity
The focus is on the Norwegian Birger Larsen, who according to HendonMob can already show over $800.000 in live tournament winnings. Larsen was deep in the tournament and still had realistic chances for the big win.
At this point, there were still around 30 players in the field, and for Larsen, it was not just about making the final table, but about significantly higher prize money – at most even €395.000 as well as the coveted golden WSOP bracelet.
But instead of continuing to play in a sportsmanlike manner, he apparently lost control. According to reports, he repeatedly stood out due to loud and aggressive behavior towards fellow players and the staff.
Disqualification despite prize money
The situation eventually escalated to the point where the tournament management had to intervene. Larsen was disqualified and thus removed from the tournament.
By this time, he had already played his way into the money: out of a total of 379 entries, he took 30th place and received €13.000 in prize money.
Read more WSOPE Side Events – DACHs crush the €1k Classic!
Nevertheless, the disqualification must have been particularly bitter, because with his stack and the tournament phase, significantly more would have been possible.
Incident causes discussions
The incident occurred on Day 2 of the event and was documented on site by PokerNews.
Such disqualifications are extremely rare at this level, but repeatedly cause discussions about behavior at the table and the limits of what is accepted in poker.
What is certain: In one of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe, it is not only the game that can decide victory or defeat – but also one’s own conduct.
Read more GC Pokerroom – Heads-Up Deal ends Turbo Deep Stack; CHF 1.300 for Divis!
PokerNews also discussed this topic as part of their podcast:
