Thorsten Hohmann

29/09/2025

Mika and I shared so many battles over the years—sometimes across the table, sometimes on the same team, and often just side by side as friends on the road. We traveled together, vacationed together, and yes, we had our differences, but through it all there was always great respect.

What always stood out to me was Mika’s unbelievable confidence. At the table, he never accepted the idea of losing under any circumstance. He carried that same fire into his fight with cancer. Even in his last days, if you spoke to him, you would have walked away convinced he was going to beat it. That was Mika—unshakable, fearless, and determined.

It’s still hard to believe he’s gone. We all knew how tough the fight was, but it’s a shock not having him around. I will miss him deeply. What I’ll hold onto is the way he approached life and competition—with courage, certainty, and the refusal to ever give up. That’s something we can all learn from and carry with us.

Rest in peace, Mika. You’ll never be forgotten.

25/09/2025

This is my fifth journey to Vietnam. The first time was back in 2013, when I arrived as the reigning world champion, working with Kamui while pool here was still in its infancy. To stand here now, more than a decade later, and see how the sport has blossomed—it’s nothing short of inspiring.

Almost two weeks have already flown by, with a few more days still ahead. My result this time—33rd place—wasn’t what I had hoped for. I don’t mind getting beaten; it’s the losing that stings a bit. My days have followed a rhythm: breakfast, practice, rest, match, dinner, rest. In that routine, I sometimes wished I had wandered further, explored more of the life beyond the table. Yet even when I return home to New York, I’ll still find myself searching for Vietnamese flavors once a week, a small way of keeping this place close.

The event itself has been a testament to progress. The WPA, Predator, Box Billiards, and so many sponsors and helpers brought order, energy, and professionalism. The direction is right, the spirit is strong. The crowd gathered with passion, especially for their own Hoang Sao. I’ve always admired his stroke—smooth as silk. We’ve never truly exchanged words, but he and his wife always greet me with a smile, kind and gentle. I hope he goes all the way. His victory would be pool’s victory.

And then there is the joy of watching creators bring the game to life in their own way, sharing energy, humor, and imagination. It makes me smile, and it makes me hope the rest of the world will one day match Vietnam’s enthusiasm.

With a few days still left here, I’m holding on to the moments, grateful for the people, the passion, and the game itself. I’ve shared more pieces of my journey with you this time, and I want to thank all my friends and viewers for listening, for caring. The fire still burns. I still love what I do.

📸 by .billiards

❤️

13/09/2025

33rd place finish at the China Open in Shanghai. Not the result I was hoping for, but it feels great to be back in international competition. Tough opener against Sanjin Pelivanovic 4:9, followed by a win over Sundeep Gulati 9:5, before losing to Hayato Hijikata 2:9.

Returning to China after so many years brought back memories of the very first China Open in 2009, where I was fortunate to become the inaugural champion. The hospitality this time was outstanding—fantastic hotel, impressive pool rooms, and of course incredible food (which makes staying on track nutritionally a challenge).

The best part has been reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. This was just the first stop on a two-month tour of Asia. Vietnam is next, and I’m looking forward to finding my form along the way.









📸 by

26/08/2025

The US Open 9-Ball Championship in Atlantic City once again reminded me why I love – and sometimes struggle with – this game.

I finished 33rd out of 256. On paper, just a number. But behind it was a match that had everything: momentum, pressure, choices — and lessons.

On the TV table against Johan Chua, I felt in control at 5–3. Then came a turning point: a bank I didn’t need to take. The safe was there, the smart option, but I chased the bold shot. It backfired and cost me three games in a row. Suddenly the match tilted. Later, I had the chance to go up 9–7 and put myself on the hill. But the weight of the moment crept into my arm. A small positional error left me stretched, and the miss that followed opened the door. Johan walked through it with the composure of a champion. Even at the finish line, when chances appeared, I couldn’t close them out. That’s the game — unforgiving, but fair. Much respect to Johan.

This is the paradox of pool: to stay loose when the world is tightening around you, to make wise choices when adrenaline tempts you otherwise, to trust your instincts yet wish for more wisdom. After decades in this game, I’m still learning. That’s humbling — and beautiful.

The positives are clear: I’m right there, trading racks with today’s stars. Every close call is proof that I belong, and fuel to keep going.

Hats off to Matchroom for another world-class production. The level of play is sky-high, and somehow their events always find the drama that makes our sport shine. Thanks also to the people we don’t see — the refs, the staff, the volunteers, and of course the fans who bring the arena to life.

Congrats to both Aloysius and Fedor, both already history makers and still so young!

Thank you to Charlie William, surprising me with an impromptu trip from Orlando and immense support!

It’s still my dream to one day lift the US Open trophy. I’ve been runner-up before, and until the day comes, I’ll keep training, keep believing, and keep playing with heart. Because this game, for all its cruelty, is still the game I love.

19/08/2025

Update from the US Open 9-Ball Championship:

9:4 win over Harry Vergara! Much better play than my previous game. I had five break and runs and the day off tomorrow!








📸 by

18/08/2025

9:8, 🍀🍀🍀 might as well head straight to the casino…

Respect to Eduard Bregu, who should have beaten me. He made some great shots to take it hill hill.

Thanks to for capturing my new flag behind me 🇺🇸

Tune in on WNT.TV for four tables livestream action here from the US Open in Atlantic City.

10/08/2025

17th place Florida Open 2025 ☀️🌴

I thoroughly enjoyed playing in Orlando and wanted to shoot some more but .alcaidebermudez didn’t really let me. 1:10 I got my 🍑 kicked. One missed long shot, a scratch on the break, a dry break and mostly unsuccessful kick shots on my part paired with solid playing by David sealed my fate.

Great turn out spectator wise, a fun resort and an unusual Matchroom arena setup but I hope this event is here to stay.

Watch the rest on WNT.TV, I think the matches have been a treat so far!








📸 by and

08/08/2025

vs. Alex Bausch 10:1

Felt more comfortable than in my previous matches and hope to build on that!
Last 32 against David Alcaide coming up…








📸 &

08/08/2025

21/07/2025

World 9-Ball Championship 2025 - let’s go!

Find Waldo!








📸 by and

12/05/2025

17th place at the UK Open 2025!

I really enjoyed playing in Telford with my new “Pink Dragon” Molinari Cue. But you gotta be very consistent if you want to make it deeper into the tournament. I know what to work on…

vs. Adrian Pollard 🇬🇧 9:2
vs. Yannick Pongers 🇳🇱 9:8
vs. Mika Van Berkel 🇳🇱 9:4
vs. Joao Grilo 🇵🇹 10:7
vs. Phuong Nam Pham 🇻🇳 2:10

Unfortunately had a bad start against Pham, who then decided to play extremely solid and gave me a good beating.

Congrats to both Aloysius Yapp 🇸🇬 for winning and Jonás Souto Comino 🇪🇸 , the runner up. They really would have both deserved to win the title!

I’m looking forward to prepare for the World Championship in Saudi Arabia late July!

📸 by &

Thank you 🫶🏼





shoe

08/05/2025

Through to the last 64 here at the UK Open 🇬🇧

9:4 against Mika Van Berkel 🇳🇱

This wasn’t one of my greatest matches. Woke up with a sharp pain starting in my neck and radiating downwards. Wasn’t relaxed at all but Mika made a few mistakes too many.

Overall I enjoy playing very much here and hope I’ll be in top shape tomorrow.

📸 by and

Thanks always to my sponsor: