Andreas Hoivold, one of Norway’s best-known poker professionals and a memorable face from poker’s televised boom years, has died at the age of 53. His career included major live titles, deep runs at the World Series of Poker, and a legacy that made him a respected figure in Scandinavian poker.
Players from Norway and around the world will miss the charismatic Hoivold, whose presence will continue to be felt, especially during the 2027 Norwegian Championships.
A Scandinavian Poker Pioneer
Hoivold emerged during a period when European live poker was expanding quickly, and he became part of the generation that helped make the continent’s tournament scene a global force. Born in Sunderland in 1972 and later associated with Kristiansand, he developed into a professional player with a reputation that extended well beyond Norway. His profile on The Hendon Mob reflects a career built over many years, with results across major events and a long list of live cashes.
He was also known as a player with personality, not just results. That made him stand out in an era when poker had more character-driven coverage and television exposure than ever before.
Hoivold’s defining breakthrough came in 2006, when he finished third in Poker Million V for $250,000. The following year, he captured the PokerStars European Poker Tour Dortmund Main Event and earned €672,000, which remained his biggest score to date. That victory remains one of the most important results by a Norwegian player in EPT history.
In addition to that signature win, Hoivold built a strong record across the live circuit. Hoivold’s Hendon Mob profile boasts $1,931,736 in cashes and demonstrates a career that included multiple titles and a steady stream of cashes in international events. He also won the Norwegian Poker Championship Seniors Event in 2024, proving that his competitive edge never faded.
WSOP Presence
Hoivold was a regular at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he collected dozens of in-the-money finishes over the years. His best WSOP result came in 2015, when he finished sixth in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout, coming close to his first bracelet. He never won a WSOP title, but his consistency at the series added depth to an already impressive tournament resume.
His live-record strength made him a familiar name in both European and American poker circles. For a player who began making headlines in the middle of poker’s global rise, that kind of longevity mattered just as much as one headline score.
On Television And In Person
Many poker fans first encountered Hoivold through televised poker, especially High Stakes Poker. Those appearances helped introduce him to a broader audience and showcased the calm, confident style that made him such a distinctive table presence. He was the kind of player viewers remembered, not only because of his results, but because of how naturally he fit the poker spotlight.
That same quality is reflected in the tributes following his death. Hoivold is being remembered as a competitor, a personality, and a respected member of the poker community. In a game full of short memories, that kind of lasting respect says a great deal.
Lasting Legacy
Andreas Hoivold leaves behind a record that helped shape the modern image of Norwegian poker. From his EPT Dortmund triumph to his televised appearances and later championship success, his career covered more than just one great moment. His Hendon Mob profile tells the story of a player who stayed relevant for years and remained competitive into the later stages of his career.
For poker fans, Hoivold will be remembered as a champion who brought both skill and character to the game. For Norwegian poker, he will remain part of the sport’s foundation story.
