Tor Helness

Tor Helness was born on 25 July 1957 in Norway. He started playing bridge at age 12 and quickly showed exceptional talent. At 20, he became the youngest player ever to represent Norway on the national team. Over the next three decades, he amassed an extraordinary record: five world championships (including the 2007 Bermuda Bowl), eight North American Bridge Championships, five European Championships, and 34 Norwegian titles. His regular partner is Geir Helgemo, with whom he formed one of the most successful pairs in bridge history.

In December 2003, Helness suffered a massive heart attack after a company Christmas party. Doctors ordered him to quit his high-stress job in finance and avoid strenuous activities like shoveling snow. Forced to change his lifestyle, he turned to poker—a game he had played casually. He later said the heart attack was "almost a good thing" because it led him to a new career.

After recovering, Helness began playing poker seriously. He participated in the Norwegian Poker Championship (NM i poker) and became a regular in live tournaments. While his poker record is less documented, his bridge background gave him a strong mathematical foundation and a calm, analytical approach. He has spoken positively about online poker, calling it a "fantastic pastime" and arguing that it is less addictive than slot machines.

In a 2005 interview, Helness defended online poker against claims of causing addiction. He stated that slot machines in shopping centers are a bigger problem and emphasized that poker is a game of skill over the long run. He believes that while luck plays a role in individual tournaments, the best players consistently prevail.

Tor Helness is widely regarded as one of Norway's greatest card players. His bridge achievements place him among the world's elite, and his transition to poker demonstrates his versatility. He is known for his cheerful demeanor and ethical play, often greeting opponents with a smile and a laugh.