If the 61 year old makes it into the money in this year’s Main Event it will be his record-setting fifth consecutive cash in the prestigious tournament.
“I didn’t even know that,” laughed Bjorin on a break in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event on Wednesday.
Despite their numerous cashes in the Main Event even Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson and Humberto Brenes have been unable to make the money in five consecutive Main Events.
Interestingly Diogo Borges of Lisbon Portugal has the opportunity to perform the same feat in this year’s Main Event as he also has cashed in the last four world championships.
Bjorin had a hard time putting his finger on exactly why he has had so much success in the Main Event.
“I probably have a bit more patience than most people,” he said. “The structure is quite good. You don’t need to rush.”
Bjorin Already Crushing 2012 WSOP
Bjorin, who resides in London, England, has battled health problems for much of the last year so he hasn’t played any European tournaments but came back to the 2012 WSOP with a vengeance.
He’s already cashed four times for nearly $200k with a fourth place finish in the $2,500 10-Game 6-Max and second place in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo.
The 2012 WSOP is a far cry from when Bjorin started playing it in the early ‘90s.
“There have been a lot of changes,” he said. “All these young players have changed the game. I’m not a No-Limit Hold’em player. That’s what all the big tournaments are these days so I’ve had to adjust.”
One change that occurred this year was the addition of the $1 million buy-in BIG ONE for ONE DROP that concluded last night.
When asked if he would ever consider playing such a tournament Bjorin was blunt.
“No,” he said. “$1 million is what I want to win in a poker tournament not spend to play in it.”
Still Sweden's All-Time Biggest Winner
Despite the infusion of new talent, Bjorin remains the king of Swedish poker players with $5.2 million in lifetime earnings. Martin De Kniff is a distant second with $3.4 million.
Bjorin admitted he hasn’t played with many of the new Swedish players.
“The only one I played with who is still playing is Per Hildebrand and I think he’s an excellent player.”
Arguably the most recognizable Swedish poker pro is Viktor Blom, an online cash game player who might have a crack at breaking some of Bjorin’s records someday, but Bjorin didn’t have much to offer on the young pro.
“I’ve never played with him so I have no opinion,” he said.
The 2012 WSOP Main Event begins this weekend and Bjorin will get a chance to further cement his legacy in Swedish poker. Despite his considerable experience in the tournament, Bjorin still looks forward to it every year.
“I think it’s quite fun,” he said. “I wouldn’t play otherwise.”
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