The Stockholm-based player is known more for his cash-game prowess but was one of the first players to hit the one-million chip mark on Day 4 of the prestigious tournament.
Halling only had two WSOP cashes before this year but certainly seemed comfortable under the bright lights of ESPN.
“This is the first time in my life that I’ve been on the TV feature table,” he said. “It felt the same as the other tables. It’s a little bit hotter and brighter. It’s not a problem.”
An experienced pro, Halling has been around since the early days of high-stakes online poker, although he focuses more on live cash games these days.
Halling: "Online Poker Gets Tougher Every Day"
The online game is far different than when Halling began playing it in the early 2000s.
“Every day it gets tougher,” said Halling. “There is more and more information available and more software that people use. You have to be very, very good to win any money these days.”
Halling is more of a purist and doesn’t like how Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) and advanced hand-tracking have changed the game.
“If I was great at using HUDs, I would probably like them,” laughed Halling.
Despite the games getting tougher, Halling will still play up to $200/$400 if he’s feeling good on that particular day.
“If I feel like I’m going to win, I’ll play as high as possible,” he said.
When it comes to modern high-stakes online players, Halling likes what he’s seen from young gun Viktor “Isildur1” Blom.
“I’ve played a little bit with Isildur,” he said. “He seems to be playing against anybody at any game. He’s doing very well.
"There are also the same old guys that have been around for the last six years. They made all their money when Guy Laliberte was losing a lot online and are still winning.”
When asked if making a deep run in the WSOP Main Event would mean a lot to him, Halling was blunt.
“It would mean a lot of money,” he joked.
You can follow Halling’s journey in our 2013 WSOP Main Event live updates.
Visit www.pokerlistings.com