Carlo Biado Clinches Second World Pool Title After Epic Duel with Fedor Gorst

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 by Raymund Tamayo

WPA World Nine-Ball Championship 2025 champion Carlo Biado. Photo: Matchroom Pool.

Carlo Biado secured his place among pool’s all-time elite after edging past reigning champion Fedor Gorst in a dramatic 15-13 showdown to win the 2025 World Pool Championship — his second world crown.

With this historic triumph, Biado becomes the first Filipino to win the prestigious title twice, adding another chapter to the Philippines’ rich billiards legacy.

The match unfolded with intensity from the outset. Gorst, showing the composure of a defending champion, raced to a 2-0 lead. However, a missed 5-ball in the third rack gave Biado an opening — and he took full advantage. Displaying impeccable cue control and tactical defense, the 2017 champion racked up nine consecutive games to seize a commanding 9-2 lead.

Despite the massive deficit, Gorst showed why he’s among the sport’s top talents. After winning a tactical exchange in the 12th rack, he found his rhythm and began a remarkable comeback. The Russian fired back, capitalizing on Biado’s unforced errors and narrowing the gap, eventually tying the match at 9-9 and again at 13-all.

The Philippines' Carlo Biado. Photo: YouTube.

But momentum shifted once more in rack 27. Gorst, attempting a high-risk jump shot, scratched — leaving Biado a clear path. The Filipino veteran calmly cleared the table to move within one win of the title.

A dry break from Gorst in the next rack opened the door for Biado to finish the match — and he didn’t hesitate. With precision and poise, he cleared the final table to secure a 15-13 victory and his second world championship.

Russian-American pool player Fedor Gorst, himself a two-time champion, reacts during the final. Photo: Matchroom Pool.

Following the win, Biado expressed disbelief and pride in his accomplishment. He described the final as unforgettable and credited his focus and determination, even as Gorst closed the gap late in the match.

“I stayed calm. I knew anything could happen against a great player like Fedor,” Biado said. “But I told myself to trust my game. I’m bringing this title back home to the Philippines.”

With this victory, Biado adds to the legacy built by Filipino legends such as Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante — but now stands alone with two World Pool Championship titles.

For Biado, it wasn’t just a win. It was a career-defining moment — and a record-setting one at that.