HERNING, DENMARK - Norway has reaffirmed its status as a European bridge powerhouse by capturing gold medals in both the Open and Women's categories at the 56th European Team Championships, held at the MCH Herning Kongrescenter from June 24 to July 4, 2024. This remarkable double victory marks a historic achievement for Norwegian bridge and qualifies both teams for the 2025 World Team Championships in Denmark.
The Norwegian Open team features an impressive lineup of bridge legends and rising stars. The squad includes Geir Helgemo, widely regarded as one of the greatest bridge players of all time with numerous world championships to his name; Christian Bakke and Boye Brogeland, both world champions with decades of international experience; along with Terje Aa, Tor Eivind Grude, and Allan Livgard. Under the guidance of captain Tolle Stabell and coach Sten Bjertnes, the team demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the championship, navigating through a competitive field that included 38 national teams.
The path to gold was challenging, with Norway facing stiff competition from traditional European powerhouses. Switzerland, featuring the formidable combination of Sjoert Brink, Bas Drijver, Jacek Kalita, Michał Klukowski, Michał Nowosadzki, and Pierre Zimmermann, claimed the silver medal after a closely contested final. Italy secured bronze with a team that included several players who would go on to compete in the World Bridge Games in Buenos Aires. The knockout stages were particularly dramatic, with several matches decided by narrow margins that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Norway's women's team equally impressed with their commanding performance. The team of Ann Karin Fuglestad, Liv Marit Grude, Marianne Harding, Torild Heskje, Bodil Nyheim Oigarden, and Gunn Tove Vist, led by captain Anne-Lill Hellemann and coach Leif-Erik Stabell, demonstrated both technical excellence and mental fortitude throughout the competition. Their victory was particularly significant as it came against strong competition from France, Turkey, and Italy, all of which had brought their best players to compete for European supremacy.
The 56th European Team Championships served as the primary qualification event for the 2025 World Team Championships. Based on their performances in Herning, the top teams from each category earned the right to represent Europe at the world championships. For the Bermuda Bowl (Open), qualifiers included Norway, Switzerland, Italy, England, Israel, Belgium, Sweden, and France. The Venice Cup (Women) qualifiers were Norway, France, Turkey, Italy, Poland, England, Netherlands, and Denmark. Notably, England, France, and Italy qualified teams in all four championship categories, demonstrating remarkable depth in their national bridge programs.
The championship also featured intense competition in the Seniors and Mixed categories. The Netherlands claimed gold in the Seniors division, continuing their strong tradition in this category, while Israel dominated the Mixed Teams competition. These victories highlighted the depth of talent across different age groups and formats in European bridge.
The European Team Championships, held biennially in even years, represents one of the most prestigious events on the international bridge calendar. The tournament brings together the best players from 49 European Bridge League member nations, creating an atmosphere of intense but friendly competition. The Herning venue proved ideal for the championship, offering modern facilities, efficient organization, and a welcoming atmosphere that enhanced the experience for all participants.
Looking ahead, these European champions will carry the hopes of their nations and continent as they prepare for the 2025 World Team Championships. Norway's double gold performance in Herning has established them as favorites in their respective categories, though they will face formidable competition from teams around the world when the global championships commence in August 2025.
