Fedor Gorst’s victory at the World Pool Championship in Saudi Arabia represents a crowning achievement in his career, cementing his status as one of the world’s premier pool players. Despite this monumental success, Gorst remains both grounded and practical, acknowledging the mixed emotions that accompany such a triumph. “It’s been an unbelievable feeling in the first few weeks,” he shares, before quickly adding, “Now it’s time to move on and focus on the next event.” This statement encapsulates the relentless drive typical of elite athletes like Gorst.
The demands of a professional pool career are clearly reflected in Gorst’s hectic travel schedule. Following his win in Saudi Arabia, he travelled through Dubai, Vietnam, and the Maldives, before taking a brief holiday in France. Even then, his time was fleeting, barely stopping at his home in Indiana. “I only had two or three days where I didn’t have to think about pool,” he reflects, highlighting the constant nature of his commitments. This whirlwind lifestyle illustrates the challenges of balancing life and career at the top level of the sport.
Looking ahead, Gorst is making strategic adjustments, focusing more on major tournaments like those organised by Matchroom. “I’ll be focusing on major tournaments, picking and choosing here and there,” he explains, highlighting his shift in priorities. This decision stems from an understanding of the importance of rest and preparation to maintain his top ranking. “I made mistakes scheduling things, being too nice to say no sometimes,” Gorst admits, showing his learning curve in managing a packed schedule.
As the newly crowned World No. 1, Gorst faces new challenges, including the pressure that comes with being a top-ranked player. However, he approaches this with a level-headed perspective. “The ranking is just the ranking. It gives me an easier bracket in Matchroom events,” he notes, downplaying the pressure while recognising the practical advantages. His preparation involves continually refining his skills, focusing on areas of weakness. “There’s plenty. There’s always a few shots I’m pretty uncomfortable shooting,” he says, indicating a commitment to self-improvement and adaptation.
Gorst’s recent experiences, particularly his struggles with the break shot during the Saudi event, have been valuable learning moments. “I wasn’t good at that in Saudi. It sounds funny but I was struggling,” he candidly shares, highlighting the importance of addressing even minor aspects of his game. This humility and willingness to improve are hallmarks of his approach.
Beyond the technical aspects, Gorst also values his connection with fans. His trip to Vietnam was as much about engaging with the community as it was about competing. “There were so many people and I tried to spend time with every one of them,” he recounts, showcasing his appreciation for the sport’s social aspects. As he looks forward to the Mosconi Cup and other major events, he emphasises the role of fan support, particularly with the event being held in the United States this year. “We will definitely be underdogs again, on paper,” he says, but remains hopeful, especially about the team’s potential.
On a personal note, Gorst recently proposed to his long-time partner and pool star, Kristina Tkach during a trip to France, adding a new chapter to his life off the table. “It felt like the right time to do it,” he says, reflecting on their five-year relationship. This milestone, alongside his professional achievements, provides a fuller picture of Gorst, balancing life and career.
Fedor Gorst’s journey, marked by both victories and challenges, showcases the resilience, strategic thinking, and dedication necessary to excel at the highest levels of professional pool. As he continues to navigate his career, his story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that success comes not just from talent, but from continuous learning and adaptation. With his sights set on further achievements, including the US Open and the Mosconi Cup, Gorst is poised to continue his dominance in the world of pool.