#2371 - Fedor Gorst

Overview

This episode features Fedor Gorst, a world-class pool player, discussing the evolution of professional pool, the mental and physical demands of the game, and the growing global popularity of the sport. The conversation dives into the technical aspects of pool, the role of discipline and visualization, and the challenges of navigating fame and competition.

Notable Quotes

- If you're the best player in the world today, you're the best player of all time. - Joe Rogan, on the evolution of pool.

- I'm making this ball, bitch. - Fedor Gorst, on overcoming negative thoughts during high-pressure shots.

- Pool mirrors life in a lot of ways. - Joe Rogan, reflecting on the mental and emotional parallels between pool and real life.

🎱 The Evolution of Professional Pool

- Fedor Gorst and Joe Rogan discuss how modern pool has evolved into a highly competitive sport with tighter conditions, such as smaller pockets and new breaking formats.

- The role of Matchroom and social media in elevating pool’s visibility and professionalism is highlighted. Gorst credits Matchroom for making pool more accessible and exciting globally.

- The rise of pool in countries like Vietnam and China is explored, with Vietnam now boasting over 2,000 pool halls in Hanoi alone.

🧠 The Mental Game of Pool

- Gorst emphasizes the importance of visualization and staying positive under pressure. He shares how he combats negative thoughts during critical shots by focusing on fundamentals and self-affirmation.

- Joe Rogan compares pool to archery, noting the mental discipline required to execute under pressure.

- The duo discusses the psychological toll of fame and the importance of ignoring online haters to maintain focus.

💪 Training, Discipline, and Physicality

- Gorst shares his daily routine, which includes stretching, resistance band exercises, and pre-match rituals to prevent injuries and maintain peak performance.

- He highlights the shift in pool culture, with younger players adopting a more disciplined, sport-like approach to training.

- The physical toll of pool, including back and neck issues, is discussed, with Gorst detailing how he manages these challenges through stretching and decompression techniques.

🌍 Global Growth and Cultural Differences

- The conversation explores the cultural differences in how pool is played and perceived worldwide. For example, in Vietnam, pool halls are alcohol-free and focus solely on the game.

- The rise of Chinese eight-ball (now called Heyball) is noted, with tournaments offering significant prize money and attracting top players globally.

- Gorst reflects on his experiences with fans in different countries, including the passionate pool culture in the Philippines and Vietnam.

💰 Gambling, Rivalries, and High-Stakes Matches

- Gorst recounts his high-stakes matches, including a $50,000 race-to-120 game against Shane Van Boening. He expresses interest in a potential half-million-dollar match against Joshua Filler.

- The role of gambling in pool is discussed, with Rogan and Gorst agreeing that it adds excitement but can also attract shady elements.

- They touch on the challenges of negotiating match conditions, such as table size and pocket dimensions, to ensure fairness.