Exclusive PokerListings Interview With Poker Legend Fedor Holz: “I Like When My Student Is Curious and Passionate About the Game”

There’s more to online poker than sitting on your sofa in your underwear for hours on end, glued to your laptop screen… Whether you’re a hobbyist who’s never thought about the game other than when actually playing, or you’re keen to get well acquainted with the ins and outs of GTO, everyone harbours some level of ambition.

Imagine you do indeed scale the heights that see you feted as one of the world’s elite players, winning millions and having countless followers seeking out your advice and wisdom…

One such player who fits this very description despite not yet reaching his thirties is Fedor Holz who, amongst other achievements, can have his monetary success measured in millions. This might be a rather blunt and unimaginative way of doing things but, alas (money being the first association we tend to make with poker), is a very good indicator nevertheless.

All-Time Great

Having said that, Fedor has no problem demonstrating why he stands at the top of the proverbial pile if his results over the years are anything to go by – and which are all the more impressive considering how young he was (born: July 1993!) when he first burst so spectacularly on to the scene.

Known in the world of online poker tournaments as CrownUpGuy, the GGPoker Pro has racked up quite a list of accomplishments, including two WSOP bracelets and a collection of EPT, WPT High Roller, Triton High Roller and World Championship of Online Poker titles, among others.

Fedor deserves the tremendous respect he has garnered via his Youtube and Twitch presence, and is as successful sharing his poker wisdom (he currently coaches at Pokercode) as he has been at the tables, where he still dabbles at high stakes and travels to top events. His proudest achievement: winning his first bracelet in the 111K One Drop.

Fedor Holz Interview

Fedor kindly took time out to give us an exclusive Pokerlistings interview. Here’s what he had to say:

PL: You’ve said in the past that it took a few years of grinding before you achieved a discernible level of success. How would you describe your developmental progress? 

FH: I started playing for fun with friends and it took me about three years to start consistently winning. In my third year I started taking poker more seriously and moved to Vienna to focus on it fully.

PL: With learning and training in mind, how does the satisfaction of coaching and playing a key role in poker fans’ improvement compare with personal success? 

FH: I’ve always liked coaching. I like when my student is curious and passionate about the game. Sharing my experience with someone who loves poker has always been something I really enjoy.

PL: Live or Online? 

FH: Nowadays – I prefer live.

PL: The eyes are the windows to the soul – should players wear sunglasses to avoid giving tells? 

FH: If you feel uncomfortable, then I’d say yes. I personally like to play without.

PL: Again re tells and the image we project – table talk or silence? 

FH: I tend to chat from time to time, either when I’m having fun or when I try to find out something about my opponents.

PL: Mindfulness, self-awareness and mental well-being. What is your approach? 

FH: I’ve been working with my coach, Elliot, for about seven years now in order to improve my mental game, and it has paid off big/time. 

PL: Having switched from pro chess to poker I see countless connections between the two – do you play chess, and what are your thoughts?

FH: I do play chess, and I love playing the game. I see lots of connections with chess and poker – especially the focus required, and how important it is to have good pattern recognition.

PL: Do you strive to add yet more to your stellar achievements, or has your ambition changed direction? 

FH: I don’t have particular goals, but winning another Triton Super Highroller, bracelet or EPT event is always amazing.

PL: Finally – what do you see yourself doing in 10 years’ time? 

FH: I have no real plans! I’ll probably have a family, and I assume that I’ll be playing less poker than I do now.

… We wish Fedor the best of luck for the future, and hope that he continues to both play and teach poker for years to come!

Any budding poker legends might want to check out the latest best online poker bonuses and offers and continue (or start!) their quest. Have fun, and good luck!