Youngest Bracelet Winner Annette Obrestad Returns to WSOP Europe 19 Years After Historic Win

Annette 'Annette Oberstad' Obrestad, the youngest-ever World Series of Poker Europe champion at just 18 years old in 2007, returns to the WSOP Europe in Prague 19 years later, still competing in the record-setting 2,617-player main event. In a reflective and candid interview with Chad Holloway of the PokerNews Podcast, Obrestad shares her journey of stepping away from poker for nearly a decade due to personal reasons and a mental burnout, only to be lured back through a viral small-cash tournament performance that caught the attention of PokerOrg and eventually the WSOP. She discusses her return to the game with a mix of nostalgia and humility, acknowledging the evolution of poker strategy while admitting she still feels competitive. Beyond poker, she reveals her deep involvement in competitive Scrabble—where she’s become a top-tier player despite not dedicating full time to study—and her brief but heartfelt stint as a makeup YouTuber. She also reflects on her life in Las Vegas, her roots in Norway, and her enduring friendship with fellow poker pro Mark Pokerhoekroon. With a light-hearted tone and a touch of humor, Obrestad expresses hope for a strong finish in the main event, while remaining grounded in her love for the game and her desire to play for fun, not fame.