Fedor Holz

Fedor Holz was born in Saarbrücken, Germany, and developed an interest in poker as a teenager. Unlike many of his predecessors who learned in live cardrooms, Holz came up through online poker, grinding thousands of tournaments to hone his skills. His German education system allowed him to focus intensely on poker while still in his teens, and he quickly recognized his exceptional talent for the game.

Holz burst onto the high-stakes scene in 2014, winning a €10,000 EPT High Roller for €547,000. From there, his ascent was meteoric. In 2015 and 2016, he dominated super high roller events worldwide, accumulating over $20 million in just two years. In July 2016, he reached #1 on the Global Poker Index at age 23, the youngest player ever to achieve that ranking.

Holz represents the new generation of players who combine rigorous mathematical analysis with intuitive feel. He relies heavily on game theory optimal (GTO) strategies while remaining flexible enough to exploit weaker opponents. His mental game is exceptional, and he credits meditation and mindset work for his success in high-pressure situations. His approach is fearless yet calculated.

After stepping back from full-time play in 2017, Holz has contributed to poker education through Pokercode, a training site he co-founded. He also created Primed Mind, a mental coaching app used by poker players and others seeking peak performance. His emphasis on the psychological aspects of competition has influenced how modern players approach the game.

In a remarkably brief peak career, Fedor Holz accumulated over $32 million in tournament earnings and won a WSOP bracelet in the 2016 $111,111 High Roller for One Drop. His 2016 season—with over $16 million won—may be the greatest single year in tournament poker history. Though he now plays sparingly, his impact on high-stakes poker strategy continues.