Erik Sagstrom Makes Triumphant Return to Vegas

Reminiscent of Gus Hansen‘s recent return to the high-stakes poker scene after an almost 19 months absence, another legendary player from the game’s past also made waves this month after taking down a poker tournament in Las Vegas, namely Erik Sagstrom.
The 33-year-old Swedish pro was one of the most feared high stakes online poker players between 2004 and 2007, and in 2005 added to his reputed more than $10 million in earnings by selling the PokerChamps internet poker room for €18 million, which he co-owned together with Gus Hansen and Tony G.
Apart from the odd brief appearance, Sagstrom had largely slipped under the poker radar over the past few years, until announcing his return in dramatic fashion by taking down the $5,300 NLHE High Roller for $65,000. The event was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, and drew 26 players to create a prize pool worth $130,000. Sagstrom subsequently progressed all the way through to the final table where he eventually beat accomplished pro Joe Kuether to claim the victory.
Being back in the limelight once more then gave reporters the opportunity to quiz the Swede on his movements over the past few years, with Sagstrom explaining that he hadn’t really played poker for a “long time,” and instead had been focussing on sports betting.
This year’s WSOP, however, helped revive Sagstrom’s interest in the game once more, and over the past few month he has been getting back into the game in a big way.
“I’ve been doing a little of this and a little of that and then I came [to Vegas]. I wasn’t planning on playing much, but once you’re here, you get sucked in. Life is crazy and the degenerate that I am, I play all the time now.”
Following his recent win, Sagstrom said that he intends to enter a lot more tournaments, and promised fans that he would be around for sometime to come.