Peter Jes Thomsen

Student of Backgammon

Peter Jes Thomsen stands as a pioneer among Danish backgammon masters, leaving an indelible mark on the international backgammon scene since the early 1990s. In 1993, Thomsen made history by becoming the first Danish player to claim the coveted Monte Carlo World Championship title. His remarkable achievement was followed by a notable second-place finish the following year, laying the foundation for an illustrious career ahead. It appears that Thomsen was playing less backgammon for a while just before the turn of the century, at least internationally, but then he reappeared on the scene by winning the Nordic Open in 2000. Remarkably, Thomsen has triumphed in the Championship Division of two of the world’s most attended tournaments, a testament to his exceptional skill and strategic prowess.

In recent years, Thomsen has continued to showcase his prowess on the backgammon stage, achieving notable successes across various prestigious tournaments. A semifinalist in the Masters flight of the WBF’s 1st Nice Casino Ruhl Backgammon Open in 2007, Thomsen demonstrated his enduring competitiveness at the highest levels of play. He also formed part of the formidable Danish team, alongside Morten Holm and Sander Lylloff, securing a second-place finish at the Nations Cup at the Riviera Backgammon Festival in 2006. Thomsen’s impressive tournament record includes semifinal appearances at the 7th EBN Backgammon and Gin Rummy Tournament in San Roque, Spain in 2001, and the 3rd Riviera Backgammon Challenge in Cannes, France in 2005, further highlighting his consistency and talent on the circuit. For two decades, he was on the Giant list of the best players in the world, underscoring his enduring impact and skill in the realm of backgammon.

After a brief hiatus, Thomsen returned to the game with renewed vigor, embarking on a spree of remarkable achievements. Notable triumphs include victories at prestigious events such as the Super Jackpot Monte Carlo in 2016, the Danish Championship Speed in 2022, the Nordic Open in 2023, 2nd in the High Roller Monte Carlo in 2023, and the High Roller Nordic Open in 2024. Additionally, he has secured first place in the Danish Team Championship an impressive five times.

Thomsen’s approach to the game is characterized by a preference for Speed Backgammon and an intuitive understanding of strategy. He emphasizes the importance of internalizing backgammon knowledge and maintaining composure amidst the uncertainties of play, a philosophy that has undoubtedly contributed to his enduring success.

With a passion for the game spanning over 30 years, Peter Jes Thomsen continues to inspire and captivate the backgammon community with his exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and remarkable achievements on the board.