Young Norwegian star Annette Obrestad announced herself on the poker scene with a magnificent triumph in the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe last year, and perhaps not surprisingly finds herself in the running to pick up an award for her efforts, writes Rob Eddy.

'Annette_15' rewrote the record books when winning her title in 2007, but most importantly she managed to pick up that first coveted gold bracelet with that success in London.

Of course, the only way she can add to that tally for the time being is with continued success at the WSOPE, and perhaps defending her crown next month, as she is still too young to compete in the larger WSOP in Las Vegas.

There is an extra bracelet to win this time around on this side of the pond, making four in total up for grabs, but any bracelet is likely to prove tougher to win now that she will no longer be considered a surprise package.

After bursting into the limelight with the WSOPE success as well as finishing as runner-up in the EPT Dublin Open towards the end of last year, Obrestad is one of five nominees for the 'Best Newcomer' award in the very first European Poker Tour Awards.

Up against her for the gong is fellow Norwegian, Trond Erik Eidsvig, who enjoyed a great run last year - so much so that he is also up for the 'Player of the Year' award.

Eidsvig, who bears a resemblance to Quentin Tarantino, made five cashes and three final tables with a fifth at the EPT Barcelona in 2007, fourth at 2007 EPT Dublin and eighth at the EPT Polish Open this year.

Hungary's Denes Kalo, America's Jason Mercier and Canada's Mike McDonald make up the nominations for the best newcomer, but surely with a gold bracelet as an 18-year-old, there can only be one winner.