Fedor Holz, known as “CrownUpGuy” in the world of online poker, is one of the most influential and successful figures in the recent history of this discipline. Born on July 25, 1993, in Saarbrücken, Germany, Holz has accumulated over $49 million in live tournament winnings, making him the German player with the most winnings of all time. His career, marked by a meteoric rise and a distinctive mindset, has established him as a benchmark both at the tables and in the business world.
From intelligence to bullying
Raised by a single mother alongside his siblings, Holz grew up in a loving family environment and showed exceptional intelligence from an early age. By the age of eight, Holz had already mastered chess, and this analytical ability would prove key in his future career as a professional poker player. With an IQ of 155, which is considered genius level, he was able to skip two years of school. However, his intellectual superiority made him a target for bullying at school, which meant a difficult time in his life, but also helped him become familiar with adversity. According to Holz, traditional studies did not motivate him very much, as he thought they lacked practical purpose.
At age 17, Holz moved away to study computer science at university, but soon dropped out after discovering poker through friends who were making money playing online. This chance encounter sparked his obsession with the game, which combined his passion for problem-solving, facing challenges, and receiving immediate feedback. Holz began studying poker on his own, actively participating in online forums where he shared ideas with other talented young Germans such as Koray Aldemir, Rainer Kempe, Steffen Sontheimer, and others.
Rise in online poker
Holz took his first steps in online poker under the alias “CrownUpGuy.” In 2014 and 2015, he was considered the best multi-table tournament (MTT) player by PocketFives.com. His most notable victory during this period was at the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) in September 2014, where he won $1.3 million. His aggressive but calculated style, coupled with an outstanding ability to adapt, quickly positioned him as one of the most prominent players at the virtual tables.
Dominance in live tournaments
Holz’s first appearance in a major live tournament was in 2012, when he finished second in the GPT II Deepstack Series Main Event. However, it was in 2016 that his name became established among the world’s elite, as he won the prestigious $111,111 High Roller for One Drop event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), taking home $4.9 million and his first bracelet. He also won the Triton Super High Roller for $3.4 million and finished second in the Super High Roller Bowl, adding another $3.5 million to his tally. In 2018, he achieved his biggest individual prize when he finished second in The Big One for One Drop event, earning $6 million.
Game philosophy and mindset
Holz stands out not only for his technical skill but also for his mental approach. He considers poker to be a game of optimal decisions under pressure, and has worked hard to develop his psychological strength. In 2017, Holz announced his “retirement” from professional poker to focus on business ventures. He founded Primed Mind, a mental coaching app that helps users improve their focus and manage stress. His goal is to help people achieve states of deep concentration and overcome mental blocks.
Holz later launched PokerCode, a poker training platform that includes courses and an active community. Holz emphasizes that his motivation was not just money, but to make an impact and help other players grow. This facet has made him a benchmark for mindset in professional poker.
Holz has been a key figure in the evolution of modern poker. His scientific approach, combined with an emotional sensitivity (uncommon on the circuit), has inspired a new generation of players. Holz has participated in podcasts, conferences, and seminars, sharing his experience and promoting an ethical view of the game. As a GGPoker ambassador since 2020, he has contributed to the platform’s growth and the strengthening of its global community.
Awards and records
Fedor Holz has accumulated over $50 million in live tournament winnings, making him the highest-earning German player in history. Additionally, he has won over $11 million in online gaming competitions. He is one of the few players to have simultaneously topped the live and online money lists. In 2020, he won his second WSOP bracelet by winning the $25,000 Heads-Up No Limit Hold’em event in the online edition of the tournament. His consistency, strategic vision, and ability to read his opponents have made him a legendary figure on the circuit.
Entrepreneurship and business vision
In addition to Primed Mind, in 2018 Holz founded No Limit Gaming, an esports team that seeks to apply the principles of poker to online sports. Holz believes in the transfer of cognitive skills between disciplines, promoting a high-performance culture based on decision-making, resilience, and strategic analysis. His role as CEO and mentor has led him to expand his influence beyond the tables, positioning himself as a leader in the field of competitive performance.
Personal life
Although his life revolves around poker, Fedor Holz maintains a philosophy of balance. He resides in Vienna, Austria, with his partner, influencer Annelina Waller, and has stated in several interviews that he deeply values introspection, continuous learning, and human connection. His lifestyle reflects a constant pursuit of personal growth, teaching about the importance of mental health in high-pressure environments. Despite his youth, he has shown remarkable maturity, both in his career and in his personal and professional relationships.
Holz has managed to balance his career with a life away from the tables. His legacy transcends poker, as he is a frequent speaker at business and sporting events, where he shares his mindset and learning strategies.
Fedor Holz has already left an indelible mark on the world of poker. His legacy is not limited to the prizes he has won, but to the transformation of the game into a more conscious, strategic, and human discipline. His ability to reinvent himself, explore new horizons, and share his knowledge positions him as a leader not only in poker but also in the field of mental performance and decision-making. Although he has stated that he does not plan to play intensively in the future, his influence will continue to be felt through his projects and teachings.
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Left image from World Poker Tour via Wikimedia.com under creative commons license. Right image from 888poker Spain via Wikimedia.com under a Creative Commons license.
