SPA — Filipino cue sports legend Carlo Biado has been crowned champion of the 2025 World Pool Championship, defeating Fedor Gorst 15–13 in a gripping final at the Green Hall in Jeddah. Vice Minister of Sports Badr bin Abdulrahman Al-Qadi presented the trophy at the end of the six-day global tournament.
The event gathered 128 top-ranked players from over 40 countries, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premier host of global sports events. Biado advanced to the final after a commanding 11–3 win over fellow Filipino Bernie Regalario. Gorst, the reigning champion, secured his spot with an 11–7 victory over Albanian Klenti Kaci.
A High-Stakes Finale in Jeddah
The final featured two former world champions—Biado (2017) and Gorst (2019, 2024)—in a match that lasted over three hours. Biado’s consistency and tactical precision ultimately outpaced Gorst’s aggressive play, earning him a second world title.
The match drew significant attention both in-person and online, becoming a key highlight of the 2025 World Pool Championship. Organized by the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation in collaboration with Matchroom, the tournament drew strong public attendance. It garnered broad media coverage, thereby boosting regional interest in cue sports.
Spotlight on Junior Talent
Alongside the main event, the Saudi Junior Championship added to the excitement. Indonesia’s Albert Yanuarta clinched his second title with a 9–5 win over Germany’s Pius Bayer. This youth-focused competition reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in nurturing young athletes as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
Hosting the championship for a second year in a row cements Jeddah’s place on the international cue sports map. It reinforces the Kingdom’s long-term ambitions in hosting global sports.
THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: Jeddah Championship Validates Saudi Arabia’s Global Sporting Prestige
The successful staging of the 2025 World Pool Championship in Jeddah marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global sports hub. Carlo Biado’s dramatic 15–13 win over Fedor Gorst, under the Ministry of Sports’ patronage, underscores the Kingdom’s increasing influence in cue sports and its alignment with Vision 2030.
With 128 players from over 40 nations, the tournament demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s logistical and organizational capabilities. Moreover, the seamless execution of both the main and junior events affirms the country’s readiness to host complex, recurring international competitions.
In addition, strong attendance and wide media coverage highlight rising interest in cue sports—both locally and internationally. Saudi Arabia’s support for such events is elevating the global status of niche sports while positioning the Kingdom as a cultural connector.
The junior championship, won by Indonesia’s Albert Yanuarta, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to youth development. It also aligns with national strategies aimed at cultivating future champions through competitive platforms and international collaboration.
Finally, the partnership between the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation and Matchroom shows Saudi Arabia’s ability to engage with leading global sports organizations. This enhances its international credibility and reinforces its role in global sports diplomacy.
In conclusion, the championship demonstrates how sport is contributing to the achievement of Vision 2030’s goals—diversifying the economy, empowering youth, and positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global sports arena.
Related Reading
