Atlantic City, New Jersey — Once barred from international competition, Fedor Gorst has become the unlikely face of Team USA’s resurgence in professional pool. The 25-year-old Moscow-born champion, now ranked No. 1 in the world, has rewritten his story on American soil — both as a competitor and as a symbol of transformation in the sport.
A World Champion Finds a New Identity
Gorst’s path to the American pool scene began in early 2022, when Russian athletes were banned from global events following the invasion of Ukraine. Though billiards isn’t an Olympic discipline, its international federation followed the IOC’s lead, leaving Gorst abruptly cut off from major tournaments.
Rather than sit out, he fast-tracked a planned move to the United States and resettled in Indiana with fellow pool star Kristina Tkach. It was there that he began rebuilding his career, competing in regional events while acclimating to small-town American life.
“I knew I would take heat from friends back home,” Gorst told CNN Sports. “But it felt natural — everyone here treated me like one of their own.”
By 2023, Gorst had obtained a U.S. green card and received approval from Matchroom Sport — the sport’s largest event organizer — to play under the American flag. The decision was controversial, but it made him eligible for the Mosconi Cup, a high-energy annual showdown between the United States and Europe.
Balancing Politics and Performance
Gorst’s inclusion stirred debate within the pool community. “Technically, it’s kind of farcical,” admitted Mike Panozzo, publisher of Billiards Digest. “But he lives here, he competes here, and he’s built a fan base here. It’s good for the game.”
For a U.S. team long overshadowed by Europe — losing 13 of the last 15 Mosconi Cups — Gorst represented a lifeline. The tournament, held before a raucous crowd of roughly 3,000 fans, contrasts sharply with the quiet atmosphere typical of professional pool events.
His presence gave Team USA instant credibility. “He’s a difference-maker,” said veteran player Jeremy Jones. “When Fedor’s on your side, you’ve got a chance.”
Building a New Brand of Stardom
Beyond the table, Gorst is redefining what it means to be a modern cue sports star. Reserved off-camera but intensely focused in competition, he has cultivated a loyal following online, where more than 700,000 fans watch his match clips, travel vlogs, and behind-the-scenes moments.
He’s also leaned into his American rebranding, selling T-shirts emblazoned with “Stars-Stripes-Strokes” and his nickname “Ghost” integrated into the U.S. flag.
“He used to be super shy,” said U.S. pro Oscar Dominguez. “But now he’s embraced the spotlight. He’s learning to enjoy being a star.”
From Moscow’s Pool Halls to the World Stage
Born in 2000, Gorst’s love for cue sports began with Russian pyramid, a local version of billiards. His father introduced him to the game, but small hands and a tall table led a coach to steer him toward pool instead. By age 10, Gorst was competing; by 14, after his father’s sudden passing, he was determined to turn professional.
He earned international attention after winning the 2017 Junior World 9-Ball Championship and, two years later, the 2019 World Pool Championship in Qatar. In 2020, he represented Europe in the Mosconi Cup — a fact that adds irony to his current role as Team USA’s anchor.
Adapting to American Life and Expectations
When the war in Ukraine began, Gorst was competing in Slovenia. Days later, the IOC’s ban left him stranded. He moved to the U.S. permanently, helping his Ukrainian friend Vitaliy Patsura secure relocation under the U.S. government’s Uniting for Ukraine program.
By the time he returned to elite competition at the 2022 U.S. Open — competing under a neutral flag — Gorst was already considered one of the sport’s top draws. With his green card approved the following year, his switch to Team USA became official. “It was smart for them and for me,” Gorst said.
High Stakes and Hard Lessons
His first Mosconi Cup with Team USA in 2023 ended in disappointment, with Europe winning 11–3 and fans chanting “Not born in the USA!” Yet Gorst rebounded, winning three major titles that season — the World Pool Masters, the World 9-Ball Championship, and the U.S. Open — a feat fans dubbed the “Gorst Slam.”
This year, he reached the U.S. Open final for the third straight year, narrowly losing 13–11 to Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp. Despite the loss, Gorst’s composure and consistency cemented his status as the sport’s top global player.
“He feels more pressure now,” said Scottish player Jayson Shaw. “He’s already played for Europe, and now he’s the face of Team USA. That’s a lot to carry.”
The Economics of Excellence
Professional pool remains a niche pursuit, with limited sponsorship and modest prize money compared to mainstream sports. Only a handful of players earn a living solely from tournaments. For others, coaching, exhibitions, and social media have become crucial income streams.
At the 2024 U.S. Open, 256 competitors vied for a $500,000 prize pool, with $100,000 awarded to the winner. Gorst’s $50,000 runner-up check underscores both the potential and limitations of a sport seeking renewed visibility.
A Sport at a Crossroads
Matchroom Sport is betting big on revitalizing global pool. The company has expanded its events to Asia and the Middle East, including a $1 million partnership with Saudi Arabia for the World 9-Ball Championship. It’s also introduced new team formats, such as the Reyes Cup, designed to attract new fans and corporate sponsors.
“We just try to make pool exciting again,” said Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer. “We’ve got the talent and personalities — now it’s about connecting with casual sports fans.”
Legacy and Motivation
Despite his growing fame, Gorst remains grounded. After a decade of global competition, he says his motivation hasn’t changed. “I have big goals in my career,” he said. “But honestly, financial motivation has always been the biggest driver.”
With each tournament, the Russian-born champion turned American contender continues to reshape what it means to play — and win — for Team USA.
Source: CNN – The unlikely story of how a Russian pool champion became a star of Team USA
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