Lars Haraldsen

Lars Martin Riiser Haraldsen, known in the poker world as Lars Haraldsen, hails from Asker (Vakås), Norway. Before his poker career, he competed in esports under the handle "SpiritOfNorway," placing third in a Defense of the Ancients (DotA) tournament at The Gathering 2009, earning $150.15.

In March 2018, Haraldsen won the Norwegian Championship (NM) Turbo 6-Max event in Dublin. He defeated Markus Emaus Holm heads-up with A♦4♦ against J♣9♠, hitting an ace on the river to secure a €54,195 first prize. The victory marked his first NM title, as recorded on the official list of Norwegian champions (1 NM trophy).

In April 2025, Haraldsen reached the final table of the NM Main Event in Bratislava, one of eight survivors from a field of 756 entries. The tournament offered 1.2 million NOK to the winner. He reportedly joked about needing to rebook his flight home, showing his determination to compete for the title.

When asked what he would do with the potential 1.2 million NOK prize, Haraldsen mentioned his wife wanted a grill—though he admitted the idea might have been his own. This lighthearted moment highlighted his down-to-earth personality.

Haraldsen is recognized as a consistent performer in the Norwegian poker scene, with one national title and deep runs in major tournaments. His crossover from esports to poker adds a unique dimension to his profile, demonstrating versatility in competitive gaming.