Scandinavian online poker room Bet24 has announced the addition of Danish online World Champion Thomas "Kalle" Pedersen to the site's expanding team of pro players.

Pedersen is already a household name in his native Denmark, but shot to worldwide fame after he won the 2011 World Championship of Online Poker $5,200 Main Event on PokerStars for a life-changing $1.26 million first prize.

Pedersen has since been touring the international live poker circuit, as well as he has continued his good online run with a handful of minor cashes, and he will now be rewarded with a full-time pro contract with Bet24.

"It is a great satisfaction that our initial conversations have been fruitful and we are delighted that Thomas has become our partner," says Danish country manager for Bet24, Henrik Jensen, in a press release.

"Our collaboration with Thomas will be beneficial to current and new costumers, as we will be launching exciting and creative promotions. I am sure we all will get much joy from our cooperation with the happy boy," he added.

Pedersen himself revealed to be happy with the offer from Bet24, which he accepted after turning down several other offers following his WCOOP win.

"I have had conversations with three different poker sites, and eventually chose Bet24, who I see as the strongest player. This choice is bases on my good relationship with Bet24, their professional behavior, and crucially, on the extent of the sponsorship and its potential," the world champion added.

"It's a dream come true."

Pedersen will join an ambitious international team with Bet24, consisting of among others WSOPE bracelet winner Jesper "Kipster" Hougaard, Finnish pros Juho Nikkanen and Kimmo Kurko, as well as fellow Dane Anders Jensen.

"Kalle" will go straight to work as a sponsored player later this month, as he will debut his Bet24 patch on home ground at the EPT Copenhagen already next week.