MOHAMMAD SOUFI: A FINAL TO REMEMBER, A JOURNEY STILL UNFOLDING

In 2023, the World Pool Championship witnessed a powerful and unexpected story. Mohammad Soufi, a relatively unknown player on the global stage, fought his way to the final—capturing hearts and headlines along the way.

For the Syrian cueist, it wasn’t just a breakout performance; it was a moment of immense pride, perseverance, and purpose.

“Every match felt like more than just a game—it felt like I was carrying a message of hope,” Soufi reflects. Representing Syria, and receiving widespread support from Poland, the Middle East, and his homeland, he turned the championship into something deeply personal. His ability to stay composed under the weight of history—and expectation—left a lasting impression on fans around the world.

Though he ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy, the loss in the final didn’t break him—it built him. “Of course, every athlete dreams of becoming world champion,” he says, “but I saw it as a huge learning opportunity. Now I know what it takes to get there.” That resilience and drive have shaped his preparation for the road ahead, as Soufi eyes another shot at pool’s greatest title.

More than just a finalist, Soufi emerged as a symbol of representation. “To raise our flag high on such a global stage meant everything to me,” he explains. “We haven’t had many athletes in the spotlight, so I wanted to show that dreams are always worth chasing—no matter where you’re from.”

With the World Pool Championship now firmly rooted in the Middle East, returning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025, Soufi believes the impact on the region is just beginning. “It’s a big step forward for our sport,” he says. “Hosting a tournament like this in the region gives fans and players here something to rally around. It shows that the Middle East is serious about growing the game.”

And for players like him, it’s more than symbolic. It’s personal. “Visibility is everything,” he adds. “If young players in Syria or anywhere in the region see this and believe they can be next—then we’re making real progress.”

Mohammad Soufi may have missed out on the title in 2023, but his journey left a legacy of its own. As he returns to the world stage in 2025, he’s not just chasing a championship—he’s inspiring one.