Felix Stephensen has signed an endorsement deal with Betsafe to be a sponsored poker pro.
This might be the first of many opportunities for Stephensen, as he is sure to find that his standing as a November Niner will grant him a large degree of recognition. A majority, but not all, of the nine men who hold a seat at the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table were relatively unknown when they swiftly rocketed to fame.
Still, thinning out a pool of a total 6,683 players represents some incredible talent and poker skill. Felix Stephensen, like his other eight competitors, will see an impressive payday in November but it’s also an opportunity for these men to make a brand out of themselves.
Though their sights are set on November 10 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, there are still the months before and the years beyond the Final Table to look forward to.
Many of the November Nine only rose to stardom after their World Series of Poker performances
Poker sites want to sign on big, popular talent to draw newcomers to their sites. And in the spirit of grabbing big name players, Betsafe has signed on Felix Stephensen to its roster of sponsored players.
Stephensen’s Safe Bet
Betsafe is a European poker site and an online gambling brand of Betsson, a Swedish company that offers various online gambling products. Betsafe operates its poker site as a part of the Microgaming Poker Network for the international online market outside of the US.
As the first November Niner from Norway, though he currently lives in London, Felix Stephenson possesses a great deal of potential that makes him a quality part of Betsafe’s professional roster. The 24-year-old played at last year’s World Series of Poker Main Event but has never cashed or made any earnings at the event.
Stephensen’s poker career up to now has been relatively small. In 2009 he earned $5,129 for a 12th place finish at the Norwegian Championships in Nottingham. In 2013 he earned $16,989 for a 92nd place finish at EPT Barcelona.
But Stephensen’s game seems to be on the rise because he is the second highest chip holder with 32,775,000 chips. While he and the rest of the November Nine are guaranteed $730,725 as a payout for ninth place, Stephensen is aiming for the $10,000,000 first place prize money.
Signing on Talent
Many of the November Nine only rose to stardom after their World Series of Poker performances. Felix Stephensen was one of several players who primarily focus their poker game online. Despite the inexperience with live tournaments, online skills hold just as much importance during live play.
However a win for Stephensen would also mean the streak of American Final Table winners would end as he could potentially be the first champion from Europe since Pius Heinz in 2011.
Betsafe’s signing of Felix Stephensen comes right after the news of 888poker’s signing of Brazilian November Niner Bruno Politano as a poker Ambassador.
Politano has just as much pressure on him because he is the first Brazilian ever to make the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table. He will also start with 12,125,000 chips, the shortest stack remaining among his competition.
At 31 years of age, Politano played poker mainly as a hobby but that is sure to change after November. With the exception of his guaranteed Final Table money, Politano has earned a little over $110,000 in live tournaments.
His three-and-a-half year poker career has led to some good runs with a third place finish at the 2013 Brazilian Series of Poker earning him $47,493.
