Annette Obrestad: Youngest WSOP Champ and Online Poker Legend

Nice to meet you, Annette Obrestad

Annette Obrestad, known affectionately as “Annette_15” in the online poker community, is a name that rings out in poker circles. Born on September 18, 1988, in Sandnes, Norway, Annette has an exceptional backstory. She started playing online poker at just 15 years old, quickly climbing the ranks. Her rise to fame is nothing short of impressive, making her one of the youngest and most successful female poker players in history.

Annette Obrestad’s personal life

Annette Obrestad lives a multifaceted life. While primarily known for her poker accomplishments, she has other interests that keep her grounded. Annette married her longtime boyfriend in a private ceremony. Though they don’t have children, they share their home with a few pampered pets.

She resides in the UK, balancing life between poker tournaments and personal ventures. Annette enjoys cooking and often shares her culinary exploits on her social media channels. Fitness is another passion; she makes it a point to stay active and healthy, often sharing workout routines with her followers.

Annette’s circle of friends includes both poker pros and non-poker friends, providing a balanced social life. She’s known to hang out with poker legends such as Liv Boeree and Daniel Negreanu. Her rapport with fellow players is solid, and she’s often seen sharing laughs and strategies with them.

Off the table, Annette explores various business ventures. She’s invested in a startup focused on gaming accessories and has shown an interest in educational platforms for aspiring poker players. A woman of many talents, Annette’s life is as exciting off the felt as it is on it.

Annette Obrestad’s beginning in Poker

Annette’s poker journey began at just 15. She initially played under the screen name “Annette_15” on PokerStars. Her skills were undeniable, and she made history by winning a 180-player sit-and-go without ever looking at her cards—yes, you read that right! Her first major win came in 2007 when she clinched the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event at just 18, making her the youngest person ever to win a WSOP bracelet.

Online poker rooms quickly noticed her. She received sponsorships from big names like Betfair Poker and later Full Tilt Poker. Early in her career, she was already rubbing elbows with established pros, earning respect and substantial prize money along the way.

Her early success wasn’t just limited to one big win. She consistently placed in other tournaments, making her a force to be reckoned with. It’s safe to say, Annette’s entry into the poker world was explosive, laying down a foundation for what would be a remarkable career.

Annette Obrestad’s strategies in Poker and playing style

Annette Obrestad is known for her versatile and strategic approach to poker. Her style adapts to her opponents, which some might call exploitative rather than strictly GTO. Rather than following a rigid, game theory optimal strategy, she often deviates to outsmart her opponents, which makes watching her play a thrill.

Annette isn’t one for theatrics at the table. She generally remains quiet and focused, preferring to let her cards and bets do the talking. Unlike some players who go for the sunglasses and hoodie look, she keeps it straightforward, maintaining an approachable and genuine presence.

Her expertise spans various formats, though she leans heavily toward tournaments rather than cash games. While she’s comfortable both online and live, her early successes were predominantly in the online arena. High stakes? Absolutely. Annette has competed in some of the most prestigious tournaments worldwide, proving her mettle time and again.

Signature strategies are a hallmark of her game. She’s known to use aggressive betting in specific situations to exploit weaker players. Another trick up her sleeve is her ability to read opponents’ tells, making her a dominant force at live tables. Annette Obrestad’s poker game isn’t just about the cards; it’s a masterclass in strategic thinking and psychological prowess.

Annette Obrestad greatest achievements in Poker

Annette Obrestad in WSOP

Annette Obrestad has had some spectacular moments at the WSOP. Her historic win in 2007 is nothing short of legendary. Here’s a closer look at her WSOP accomplishments:

	Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
#1	£10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event	2007-09-17	£1,000,000	In 2007, Annette Obrestad became the youngest player to win a WSOP bracelet. She triumphed in the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event in London, weaving through a star-studded field, including John Tabatabai and Gus Hansen.

Other Major Achievements

Outside of WSOP, Annette’s poker career sparkles like a well-shuffled deck of cards. Here’s a breakdown of her other stunning victories and achievements:

Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
Win2Day Sunday Freeze – Online Poker	2006-07-30	$35,000	Annette Obrestad won this tournament entirely without looking at her cards, except for one revealing instance. This feat showcased her remarkable ability to read opponents and handle the psychological aspects of the game.
Full Tilt Poker FTOPS Event	2007-05-15	$117,000	In this Full Tilt Online Poker Series, she outlasted 2,500 players to take home the hefty prize. Her strategic gameplay remains a reference point for many poker aficionados.
European Poker Awards – Rookie of the Year	2007-01-31	N/A	Named Rookie of the Year at the European Poker Awards, underscoring her lightning-fast rise in the poker world.
EPT Dublin Main Event	2007-11-03	€297,800	While she didn’t secure the top spot, Obrestad made a significant showing by finishing 3rd in this high-profile event, further cementing her reputation on European soil.
PocketFives Online Poker Rankings	2008	N/A	For a period, Annette was ranked as the number one player in the online poker rankings by PocketFives, a feat that speaks volumes about her online prowess.

Annette Obrestad’s journey through the poker world is packed with iconic moments and notable achievements. From dominating online platforms to making history in live events, she’s truly a force to be reckoned with at the felt. Keep an eye on her – it’s always fascinating to watch a master at work!

Annette Obrestad’s challenges and controversies

Annette Obrestad has never met a controversy she didn’t tackle head-on.

The ‘Hole Card’ Debate

Annette Obrestad made headlines with an online poker challenge where she won a 180-player sit-and-go tournament without peeking at her hole cards. Some players praised her skill, while others accused her of myth-making. This feat demonstrated her uncanny ability to read the game, but also stirred the pot on online forums with debates lasting for years.

The Phil Hellmuth Clash

During the 2009 World Series of Poker Europe, Obrestad and Phil Hellmuth had a memorable dust-up. Hellmuth, known for his dramatic outbursts, criticized Obrestad’s aggressive play. Annette fired back, calling him out for his arrogance. Poker rooms buzzed about their heated exchange, adding more color to the already high-stakes environment. Tables nearby were surely entertained!

Bluffing At Its Finest

Obrestad was involved in a controversial hand at the 2007 European Poker Tour. Her massive bluff against another top-tier player, Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, didn’t sit well with some. Many called it risky, but it cemented her fearlessness. ElkY, known for his own aggressive style, publicly respected the move, but you could see the frustration at that moment.

Questioning Gender Bias

Despite her poker prowess, Obrestad often spoke out against perceived gender bias in poker. In interviews and social media, she criticized how female players were treated differently. This led to both support and backlash from the poker community. Fans praised her honesty, while critics saw it as stirring unnecessary drama.

The Bracelet Banter

Annette’s 2007 WSOPE bracelet win made her the youngest-ever winner, but also garnered mixed reactions. Conversations with other bracelet holders occasionally turned into playful, yet pointed banter about her young age and perceived “beginner’s luck”. Annette, never one to shy away, often responded with her signature wit, keeping the poker world talking. When it comes to controversies, Annette Obrestad holds nothing back. She’s proof that poker isn’t just about the cards; it’s also about the characters.

Annette Obrestad – Poker Videos

Annette’s Unbelievable Blind Online Poker Win

Brace yourself! Annette Obrestad reveals how she clinched victory in a 180-person online poker tournament without even glancing at her hole cards! Talk about next-level skill and strategy. Catch every jaw-dropping moment in this video.

Secrets of a Blind Victory Unveiled

Ever wondered how one wins a poker tournament without peeking at their own cards? Annette Obrestad breaks down her iconic blind win and shares secrets that just might change your game forever. Trust me, it’s a must-watch!

Epic Showdown: Annette Obrestad vs. Nick Slade

It’s showdown time! Witness the unforgettable European Open IV final table clash between Annette Obrestad and Nick Slade. Ranked #68 in top poker moments, this video is packed with intense hands and brilliant plays. Don’t miss it!

Historic Main Event 2010

Watch every thrilling moment of Annette Obrestad’s performance in the Main Event 2010. Her precision and skill at the table are absolutely mesmerizing. This is Annette at her peak, and you’ll want to see every bit of it!

The Sneaky Chip Theft at WSOP Europe

Drama unfolds! At the WSOP Europe, a sneaky opponent steals a chip from Annette Obrestad’s stack. Watch closely at 27 seconds in! This video proves that poker isn’t just about skill; it’s also about keeping an eye on your stack!

Annette Obrestad Poker Books

This player didn’t write any books.

Annette Obrestad’s Notable TV Shows Appearances

High Stakes Poker

Back in 2009, Annette graced the felt of “High Stakes Poker,” sitting alongside poker giants like Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and Daniel Negreanu. Imagine a Norwegian whirlwind adding her vibe to that already electric lineup! The show was taped at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, offering fans a glance at Obrestad’s aggressive play style. It wasn’t just a joyride; it was profitable too. Annette didn’t make it to Jeff Bezos’ club that day, but she more than held her own. Watching Annette bluffing seasoned pros was like witnessing a lioness navigating a field of lions. The intensity, the unreadable poker faces—what a spectacle! With stakes soaring and pots piling, Obrestad captured our imaginations. Profitable? Absolutely. Memorable? You bet.

Million Dollar Cash Game

On the “Million Dollar Cash Game” in 2010, Annette found herself battling poker’s crème de la crème, including Patrik Antonius and Tony G. Filmed in London, this show served as a cash playground for the elite. Here, Annette showed the world her mettle with her tight yet unpredictable strategies. Held at the historic Victoria Casino, the 5th season was packed with high-octane drama. Annette walked away with a respectable profit, proving that her skills were well and truly global. Who can forget Tony G’s infamous outbursts paired with Obrestad’s ice-cold composure? It’s safe to say this appearance was as entertaining as it was lucrative.

Poker After Dark

Annette’s appearance on “Poker After Dark” in 2011 was nothing short of riveting. The lineup included heavyweights like Phil Hellmuth and Mike Matusow. A fierce heads-up specialist, Obrestad was right at home. Filming this in the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Annette turned chips into cash while the cameras rolled. This episode saw Annette pulling off stunning bluffs and calculated calls. Truly, every hand was a masterclass in poker prowess. Though not her biggest paycheck, she still managed to hold her ground, competing toe-to-toe with the big guns in the poker world, racking up impressive hands.

The Big Game

Annette’s participation in “The Big Game” in 2011 was yet another jewel in her televised poker crown. Competing against the likes of Doyle Brunson and Jason Mercier, her unconventional tactics caught everyone off guard. The show afforded freeroll pros a chance to shine, and Annette did just that. Broadcast from Las Vegas, this game became an instant hit. Not only did Annette craft remarkable plays, but she also pocketed significant winnings. When a fresh face disrupts the usual suspects’ rhythm, you know TV gold is struck. And profitable? Well, Annette walked away with more than just bragging rights.

National Heads-Up Poker Championship

In 2010, Annette was part of the illustrious “National Heads-Up Poker Championship.” Facing off against heads-up legends like Erik Seidel, Annette had to be at her analytical best. Set in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, her head-on confrontations were as tense as they come. Despite the tough competition, Annette displayed poise and wit, advancing several rounds. The head-to-head nature of the event played to her strengths, and viewers were treated to some of her finest poker. It was a challenging yet profitable endeavor, smashing stereotypes left, right, and center.

European Cash Game

Filmed in 2009, “European Cash Game” saw Annette take on European poker talent on home turf. The show featured stars like Jani Sointula and Ilari Sahamies. It wasn’t just another day at the office; it was a royal rumble at the poker table. Held in various locations across Europe, this appearance gave Annette a profitable stage to showcase her adaptability. She held her ground against Europe’s best, walking away with substantial gains. The chemistry in those games was palpable, and Annette was the unmistakable star of the show.

Premier League Poker

Annette appeared in “Premier League Poker” Season 4, alongside poker royalty such as Phil Laak and Luke Schwartz. This event, filmed in London during 2010, was no ordinary poker show; it was a high-stakes league format that tested every player’s mettle. The competitive field was ferocious, with Annette holding her own ground fantastically. From engaging bluffs to strategical folds, she demonstrated sheer knowledge and finesse. It proved profitable, fun, and added another feather to Annette’s televised poker career cap. So, grab your chips and get inspired. Annette’s TV moments are sheer evidence of her brilliance and prowess. Poker always brings drama, strategy, and yes, unforgettable performances. Annette Obrestad delivered on all fronts.

FAQ about Annette Obrestad