For the third time in his illustrious career, Carlo Biado can rightfully lay claim to the title of world champion.
In a thrilling contest worthy of a championship final, the man known as “The Black Tiger” prevailed over world No. 1 and defending champion Fedor Gorst of the United States, 15-13, on Sunday morning (Manila time) to capture the 2025 World Pool Championship held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Biado appeared in control early on, building a sizable lead, only to be reminded that no cushion is safe when you’re up against arguably the best pool player in the world.
Gorst, who hails from Russia but now represents the U.S., opened the match with a 2-0 advantage thanks to his trademark precision and calculated style.
However, a missed 2-ball in the third rack gave Biado an opening—and he seized it with a vengeance.
The Filipino cue artist responded with a dominant stretch, winning nine of the next 10 racks to build a seemingly unassailable 9-2 lead.
But Gorst wasn’t going down without a fight.
The reigning champ found his rhythm and kept Biado stuck in his chair, stringing together seven straight racks to level the match at 9-all, turning what looked like a runaway into a nail-biter.
The 19th rack proved pivotal—and one of the longest of the match—as both players locked into a grueling safety exchange.
(C) World Pool Championship
Ultimately, Gorst blinked first, scratching on a risky jump shot. Biado capitalized on the miscue, not only regaining the lead but racing ahead to a 13-9 advantage.
Still, Gorst wasn’t done. In a dramatic twist, he mounted another late rally to tie things up once more at 13-13, setting the stage for a tense finish.
In the 27th rack, Gorst had a golden chance to take the lead—but his break came up dry. Biado, showing poise under pressure, cleared the table to inch ahead, 14-13.
The Filipino made sure that would be the last time Gorst saw the table.
On his break in the 28th and final rack, Biado sank the 1-ball and 6-ball, then coolly cleared the rest of the table to seal the victory—bringing the World Nine-Ball Championship title back to the Philippines.
Earlier in the day, both finalists stamped their dominance in the semifinals.
Biado cruised past fellow Filipino and rising star Bernie Regalario, 11-4, in an all-Pinoy clash.
Gorst, on the other hand, dispatched Albanian standout Kledio Kaci, 11-7.
At 41 years old, Biado continues to cement his legacy as the most decorated Filipino cue artist of his generation.
With this latest triumph, he adds another prestigious trophy to a collection that already includes the 2017 World Games gold, the 2017 World Nine-Ball Championship, and the 2024 World Ten-Ball Championship.
And now, in 2025, Carlo Biado stands once more atop the world.
