Carlo Biado Makes History with 2nd World Pool Title
Filipino cue master Carlo Biado carved his name into world pool history by winning his second World Pool Championship title with a 15–13 victory over defending champion Fedor Gorst. This makes him the first Filipino to win the title twice, bringing global attention to Philippine billiards.
The tournament, held from July 21 to 26 at the Green Halls in Jeddah, brought together 128 of the world’s best nine-ball players. Out of 17 top Filipino players in the tournament, Biado led six who made it to the final 16, including Bernie Regalario, Johann Chua, and Jefrey Roda.
In the exciting quarterfinals, Biado faced Ko Ping-Chung, one of Asia’s most formidable players. Reflecting on the match, Biado said, “Ko Ping-Chung isn’t just one of the best in Asia; he’s one of the best in the world. I made mistakes early on, but I stayed patient and managed to turn the match in my favor. Reaching the semi-finals again is a huge step for me.”
“I stayed focused, stayed calm, and maybe had a little luck on my side too,” Biado said.
The semifinal match turned into an all-Filipino face-off, with Biado going up against 20-year-old rising star Regalario. Biado stayed composed and delivered a strong performance, finishing the game with a golden break in the final rack. He shared, “Against Bernie, I got super lucky. I missed some of my shots but still managed to win. That golden break in the final rack—wow, it might be my lucky day.”
In the final, Gorst opened strong with a 2-0 lead, aiming to win back-to-back world titles. But Biado responded with a stunning nine-rack run, taking control with a 9-2 lead. “I stayed focused, stayed calm, and maybe had a little luck on my side too,” Biado said.
Gorst, however, mounted a rally, capitalizing on Biado’s late-match errors to tie the match at 13-13. But in rack 27, a crucial scratch from Gorst gave Biado control. With steely nerves, Biado cleared the table and out-broke Gorst to finish 15-13, a moment that will be remembered in both Philippine and world pool history.
“I am over the moon. I still can’t believe I’m a two-time world champion,” Biado said, following his incredible win. “It means everything to me. I’m so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines.”
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Comparing it to his first win in 2017, he said, “It feels different this time. In 2017, it was overwhelming. I remember feeling frustrated that day. But the me then and me now—we’re the same Filipino. Whatever happens, it will be a good day. I’ve come a long way. Reaching the final is already something to make me and my family proud. That’s what matters most.”
Biado’s 2025 victory makes him the first Filipino to win the World Pool Championship twice, setting a new milestone in a field once dominated by legends such as Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999), Ronnie Alcano (2006), and Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2010).
