Since 2010, only one Filipino has lifted the World Pool Championship trophy — Carlo Biado — and now, he’s done it twice.
The Black Tiger, who won the World Nine-ball Championship in 2017 and was a finalist in 2018, reclaimed the title for the Philippines after eight long years with a thrilling 15–13 victory over defending champion Fedor Gorst at the 2025 World Pool Championship held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Key moment in 2025 World Pool Championship: Biado’s comeback begins
Gorst took control early, racing to a 2–0 lead and looking set to extend it in the third rack. However, a missed shot on the five ball opened the door for Biado, who capitalized and stole the rack. From there, momentum shifted dramatically—Biado won eight straight racks to surge ahead 9–2.
But Gorst showed the grit of a two-time champion, mounting a fierce comeback to tie the match at 9-9. Biado responded with another strong run, winning four straight racks to go up 13-9. Still, Gorst refused to fold, battling back once again with another run of his own.
Tied at 13, Gorst couldn’t convert on his break. Biado seized the moment, playing flawlessly to move one win away from the title. Keeping his composure, he closed out the match 15-13—delivering the Philippines its fifth world title, and etching his name in history as the first Filipino to win multiple World Championships.
Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999), Ronnie Alcano (2006), and Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2010) were the previous Filipino champions. It was also a strong campaign for Team Philippines overall, with seven cue artists reaching the Last 16—including Bernie Regalario, James Aranas, Jefrey Roda, Anton Raga, Jeffrey Ignacio, and Patric Gonzales. Regalario made it to the semifinals but was eliminated by Biado, 11–3.
