He was likeable, respectful and respected and a “brilliant” poker player. Now, after a six-year battle with cancer, the Norwegian “Godfather of Poker” has passed away at 71 years of age.

Thor Hansen was a regular on the poker scene for decades. He was a multi-title holder, having taken down two WSOP events and a number of other popular tournaments, including some at various tournaments such as the Five Diamond World Poker Classic, the LA Poker Classic, the Legends of Poker, California State Poker Championship, the Carnivale of Poker and the Festa al Lago Classic.

His first WSOP bracelet came when he won the $5,000 Seven Card Stud event in 1988, for which he was awarded $158,000. He added his second in 2002 when he took down the $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball event for $62,600. By the time he stepped away from the tables for good, he had racked up almost $3 million in live-action tournaments, according to Hendon Mob.

Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer six years ago, he showed everyone that he wasn’t going to give up. He had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer that then spread to his lungs and was only expected to live a few more months. However, always the man in charge, he continued to play – and win – and recorded his latest cash at the Norwegian Open this past March.