In honor of the resurgent Gus Hansen, it seemed like the right time to take a look at some of the Great Dane’s finest moments. I have selected 8 emotionally moving video clips that give us a complete picture of Hansen’s abilities. His heartrending gambling, tear-jerking suck-outs, and poignant mega-skills.

After a few years of online coolers and TV obscurity, Hansen has blasted into 2011 with almost $3 million in profits from Full Tilt’s cash games. When the WSOP rolls around in a month or two, we’ll see if his improvement translates into a bracelet or two.

Before the internet generation started three-betting all over the place, Gus Hansen was the poster child for super-aggression. See the video below to prove it. It’d be pretty much impossible for anyone to play more wild abandon.

In the final heat of Poker SuperStars III, Gus knows that he has to win this five-player single table Sit & Go to advance to the next round. Not to mention that one of his opponents is already guaranteed entry and two are looking to fold their way into the final. What does the Great Dane decide is the most optimal play? Have a look for yourself to find out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq3zZbj8TDE

If you’re going to outplay someone, it might as well be Phil Ivey. All the better if you can do it with a semi-bluff while being dominated on every street.

And when you’re done with the greatest player in the world, why not turn to Patrik Antonius? He’s pretty good too, right? Gus has the best hand all the way in this pan-European battle, but he plays it to perfection.

The above hand was at the final table of the 2007 Aussie Millions. Hansen’s victory in this event remains one the crowning glories of his career. It’s up there with his three WPT titles and one WSOP bracelet. Let’s take a look at the final hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHZwq3de7fg

When you’re an aggressive player, you’re going to get into a lot of pots. That sounds obvious, but it goes a long way to explaining why Gus has a reputation as such a lucky son of a thing. To be fair to his detractors, there’s plenty of visual evidence to back up their insults.

It is said of Gus Hansen, a man chiseled out of pure sex appeal, that he is always able to find comfort in the arms of a beautiful lady. In this episode of Poker After Dark he manages to combine his skills with women and sucking out! Erm.

Nobody can take punishment on High Stakes Poker like Daniel Negreanu and who better to dish out the most punishing beat of them all than our man Gus.

Erik Seidel: “Hello, my name is Erik Seidel and I have hit a set on the flop. Please pay me off Mr. Gus Hansen.”

Gus: “How about I just runner runner a full house instead?”

Erik: “Uh, please don’t please?”

And just in case you think ol’ Gussy is all work and no play, let us end on a moment of comic relief. Make sure to watch through to the end to get the full effect of this zinger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F9dh4_vtN8