GPInterview: Andreas Hoivold | Back For More

The last few years haven’t been easy for Andreas Hoivold. The former EPT Champion has gone through hell … a bitter divorce, being forced to leave his homeland and a mentor who was diagnosed with cancer.

But nothing can hold the Norwegian pro down. Divorce behind him, now settled in Las Vegas and Thor Hansen on the road to recovery, this is comeback of sorts for Hoivold here at the World Series of Poker. With everything behind him, Hoivold has his sights set on a successful run this summer at the WSOP – and with three cashes in a week, it certainly looks like Hoivold is well on his way!

I had the opportunity to ask Andreas a few questions earlier today:

Andreas, it’s been a good start to the WSOP for you, hasn’t it?


Pretty good. Three cashes so far is good. But I really want a decent cash soon. Min cashes help and I like them, but I really, really want a final table and then a bracelet!

Other than the Main Event, is there a tournament you look forward to playing the most here at the WSOP?

I really like a lot of the events! I would like to play every single one if I could I have never played the Stud H/L Championship before, so maybe that one.

Without going into too much detail, you’ve had to deal with some very complicated situations the past few years in your personal life, is it exciting to be where you are now and able to concentrate on poker again?

I am so happy to be done with the divorce! It has been a long and painful process! Now I’m free and I can focus on poker and playing well again without having that messing up my head! The results has been pretty good for the last month since I started playing again (4 cashes in 7 tournaments). Hopefully the good results will keep coming!

You’ve been so great at giving all of us updates on Norwegian poker legend Thor Hansen. How has Thor been doing?

The doctors in Norway say that they have never seen anyone as strong as him. He has always been so incredibly healthy. Before he got the cancer he had never been sick. Never!!! Hopefully we will see him in Vegas soon!

Can you explain how important Thor has been to the game in Norway, and how influential he has been to your game?

In Noway, Thor is called “The Godfather”. He is an icon there (and I guess to some degree here as well). Nobody has ment as much as him for poker in Norway!

I had my best results before I met Thor! So maybe he made me worse? No, I’m just kidding. He has meant so much to me as a mentor. His positive attitude and his good mood despite everything that has happened to him is something I think everybody can learn from. He is a hero!

 You play Fantasy Poker Manager, why do you enjoy the game so much?

I really like to compete in a lot of different things. And I like rankings and numbers. And since I also like poker, FPM is something that I have to play!

You’re a very good player on FPM, what is one piece of advice you can give to struggling Managers or players that are new to the game?

Thank you, Eric. I’ve been pretty lucky too I guess. I have played with a lot of these players and I know who I don’t like to play against. Usually I put those guys in my team. And a few big names. I also like to buy a few players that are cheap and have a lot of potential. I bought Erick Lindgren (after playing with him in a WPT side event on 3 different tables(!)) for 10k. A really good player for a very low price. Now his value is 120k. I think his value will increase even more during the WSOP.

If I should buy a player today, I would probably pick Mike Matusow. A steal at 10,500 now during the WSOP! He is going to play a lot of events, and he is good in all games.

Best of luck to all of you playing!

If you’re lucky enough to meet Andreas in the hallways of the Rio or maybe in your local casino, please say hi, he always has a big smile and is always willing to spend time talking poker, and maybe even Norway’s rivalry with the Swedes :). Follow Andreas’ WSOP exploits via his Twitter feed: @AndreasHoivold.

Head on over to Facebook and signup to play the GPI Fantasy Poker Manager – lineups for the next World Series of Poker Individual League event lock soon! … FPM is the OFFICIAL Fantasy Poker Game of the World Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker!

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