How long would you stay away from the poker tables? A month? A year? For Norwegian poker legend Johnny Lodden, the answer was an impressive 944 days. After more than two and a half years away from the game, Lodden made a surprise return at the Merit Poker Carmen Series in Cyprus — and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. 🃏🔥
An Impromptu Comeback Of Johnny Lodden!
It was not a spectacular, well-organized comeback. Johnny Lodden was on vacation, not looking at all to pick back into poker. But as luck would have it, he made a spur-of-the moment choice and plunged right into the action.
“I hadn’t really intended to play poker at all,” Lodden said. “I merely wanted a nice vacation. I considered first visiting Spain, but it was too chilly. I decided to get in touch when I discovered my fellow Norwegian Aylar Lie was present and saw Cyprus was 25 degrees. She helped me reserve a Merit hotel, and I wondered, “Why not try a tournament here?” 🌞✈️
Johnny Lodden: From Vacationer to Finalist
What came next was quite amazing. Lodden joined the $5,300 High Roller and soon discovered he was up against a field-of-record 270 players. Though he missed a lot of time from the game, he ran through the field to finish runner-up behind Dawid Smolka of Poland. Lodden left his efforts behind a $182,700 payday. When he considered his performance, Lodden remarked, “Dawid performed brilliantly all through the competition. Day 3 we were seated at the same table. I honestly believe I performed really well heads-up and was simply a little unlucky not to win.” 😓🤝
Life Beyond the Felt
Though poker had previously been his obsession, Lodden had long turned his attention elsewhere. His last known cash came in 2022 at EPT Barcelona; since then, he has followed a different route. He has been an environment therapist assisting young people in need over the last four years. “I love what I have been doing for four years now,” he said.
Lodden was not lazy even though his time at the tables slowed down. His experiences away from poker changed his viewpoint, but his spontaneous comeback reminded supporters of his indisputable talent. 💪✨
A Possible Future in Poker?
Could this surprise return mark the beginning of a more regular poker career? While Lodden admitted he’s not sure what the future holds, he didn’t rule it out. “Not for much, but it might happen,” he said, reflecting on his Cyprus experience.
Lodden had high praise for the Merit Hotel, where the event was hosted. “I love the Merit hotel. The service is amazing, the food is incredible, and they have everything — a spa, tennis, squash, gym, pool… you name it!“
While poker may not be at the forefront of his plans, it’s clear that if Lodden does return, it could very well be to this paradise of a location. 🌴🏝️
The Poker Community Awaits His Next Move
Johnny Lodden’s unexpected deep run in Cyprus has reminded the poker world of his exceptional talent. While it remains unclear when we’ll see him back at the tables, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Lodden return to poker soon? Only time will tell, but let’s hope it’s not another 944 days before we see this Norwegian legend back at the felt. 🕰️⏳
Stay tuned on POKERBOL for updates as we follow Johnny Lodden’s poker journey! 🎲🎉
Source: POKERNEWS
