Poker News Daily: How did you get started playing poker? When did you know poker would become more than just a hobby?
Hoivold: I have played five card draw since I was very young. I started playing Texas Hold’em in 2003. In 2006, I knew it would be more than a hobby.
PND: How has playing poker changed your life?
Hoivold: To me, playing poker professionally has meant having more money, more travels, more friends, and even more spare time. In short, I’ve had a much better life.
PND: What do you like to do when you’re not playing poker?
Hoivold: I enjoy traveling to places that I have never been to before. I also spend as much time as possible outside, away from the computer.
PND: Whose game do you respect the most?
Hoivold: Phil Ivey is a monster. He always seems to know what he is doing at every game and at every limit.
PND: What is your favorite childhood memory?
Hoivold: I’d have to say winning a medal in karate and beating maybe the best fighter in the south of Norway. This was at age 11.
PND: If you weren’t a poker player, how would you be earning a living?
Hoivold: I used to work with computers and computer networking. However, I could not do that today. I need to see a lot of people.
PND: What has been your biggest extravagance since turning pro?
Hoivold: I am boring! I invested the money.
PND: What advice do you have for an up and coming poker player?
Hoivold: Be careful. Don’t play with money that you can’t afford to lose. In terms of game advice, learn as much about the game of poker as possible. You also need to learn how to play both tight and loose. You will need both in order to succeed.
PND: What tournament do you look forward to the most every year?
Hoivold: The Ladbrokes Poker Million. I have some really good memories from that tournament (Season V). I also like the shootout format.
PND: Describe your basic poker strategy.
Hoivold: Generally, I am loose and aggressive. However, I can be tight (I CAN!) I like to change gears a lot as well, especially in shootout formats and during final tables (which I love to play).
