Spin & Win — Unleash Your Inner Athlete!

Birger Larsen ejected from WSOP Europe after repeated rule violations

A heated moment turned into a full disqualification. Tournament officials stood firm on fairness—even when it meant ejecting a high-profile player.

, and Administrator

2026 May 8 . 5:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread... — The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread out in front of them. In the background, there is a pillar and other objects, suggesting that the men are participating in a poker tournament.

Birger Larsen ejected from WSOP Europe after repeated rule violations

Birger Larsen has been disqualified from the $5,300 PLO Championship at the World Series of Poker Europe. The incident occurred with just 30 players left in the tournament. Tournament director Justin Hammer removed Larsen after repeated rule violations and disruptive behaviour. Before his disqualification, Larsen received a one-orbit penalty for his actions. Footage later showed him acting aggressively, slapping away the hands of someone trying to calm him down. Despite the penalty, he continued to disrupt the game, leading to his removal.

Larsen admitted to drinking during the event but denied being violent or threatening. Hammer, however, stated that maintaining tournament integrity was his priority. As the Live Events Director for PokerAtlas and a tournament director at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, he emphasised the need for a fair and enjoyable atmosphere.

Hammer also works as a consultant and holds a minority stake in Desert Bluffs Casino in Kennewick, Washington. He acknowledged that disqualifying players is never easy but remains necessary when rules are broken. The disqualification leaves the $5,300 PLO Championship with one fewer competitor. Larsen’s exit follows a series of penalties and disruptive actions caught on video. Tournament officials have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing rules for all participants.