The poker world is mourning the loss of one of Scandinavia’s most respected players after former European Poker Tour champion Andreas Hoivold passed away at the age of 53.
A pioneering figure in Norwegian poker, Hoivold enjoyed a career that spanned the early poker boom and helped establish Scandinavian players among Europe’s elite. He was admired not only for his results at the table, but also for his friendly personality and sportsmanship away from it.
EPT Dortmund Victory Made Poker History
Born in Sunderland, England, before moving to Norway as a child, Hoivold proudly represented Norway throughout his poker career.
His biggest achievement came in 2007 when he captured the European Poker Tour Dortmund Main Event. Hoivold outlasted a field of 493 entries to win the title and €672,000, defeating Italy’s Cristiano Blanco heads-up. The victory remains one of the defining moments of the early EPT era and cemented his place among Europe’s leading tournament professionals.
By the end of his career, Hoivold had amassed more than $1.7 million in recorded live tournament earnings.
A Familiar Face During Poker’s Boom Years
As televised poker exploded in popularity during the mid-2000s, Hoivold became a regular face on some of the game’s biggest television productions.
One of his earliest headline results came in Poker Million V, where he finished third for $250,000. He also made appearances on several televised poker shows, becoming well known to fans during the height of poker’s television boom.
Although he never captured a World Series of Poker bracelet, Hoivold enjoyed consistent success in Las Vegas over many years, recording dozens of WSOP cashes. His best finish came in 2015 when he placed sixth in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout.
Hall of Fame Career
Hoivold’s contribution to the game was recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into the Norwegian Poker Association Hall of Fame.
Even after stepping away from the international spotlight, he remained active on the Norwegian poker scene. In 2024, he won the Norwegian Poker Championship Seniors title despite competing with his left arm in a sling following an electric scooter accident, adding another memorable achievement to an already distinguished career.
Remembered Beyond the Results
Away from the tables, Hoivold earned a reputation as one of poker’s genuine good guys.
Friends and fellow players regularly spoke of his kindness, generosity, and welcoming nature. Whether playing on the European circuit or competing in Las Vegas, he was someone many enjoyed sharing a table with.
Hoivold had battled health issues for many years following a serious car accident earlier in his life. Reports indicate he died from organ failure last week.
His passing is a sad moment for Norwegian poker and for the wider poker community. Andreas Hoivold leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond his tournament victories, remembered as both a champion and one of the most respected personalities of European poker’s golden era.
Everyone at Poker Type sends its condolences to Andreas Hoivold’s family, friends, and the global poker community.
