Fedor Gorst

Date: 2022-12-29 | Duration: 2h 19m

Episode Overview

Fedor Gorst shares his journey from growing up in Russia to becoming one of the world’s top professional pool players. He discusses the challenges of relocating to the United States as a teenager to compete at the highest level and the early recognition of his talent. Fedor reflects on the differences between pool cultures in Russia and the U.S., highlighting how the game is often seen as casual entertainment in America, while in Russia it demands intense discipline and focus. He also touches on the impact of geopolitical issues, such as the ban on Russian athletes, and how it has affected his career. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of pool, including Fedor’s approach to practice, equipment preferences, and the importance of fundamentals. He explains how innovations like break racks and cue technology influence gameplay and shares insights into the mental and physical demands of the sport, including managing injuries and maintaining fitness. Fedor also recounts memorable moments from high-stakes matches and the unique atmosphere of tournaments like the Mosconi Cup, where crowd energy plays a significant role. Throughout, he emphasizes his passion for the game and his ambitions to continue growing as a player while navigating the complexities of professional pool.

About Fedor Gorst

Fedor Gorst is a rising star in the world of professional pool, renowned for his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay. His career boasts impressive accolades, including championship victories at the prestigious World Nine-Ball Championship, where he showcased his talent against top competitors. Gorst's unique style and dedication to the sport have made him a captivating figure, drawing attention not just for his technical prowess but also for his insights into the mental aspects of competition. As a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, he shared his journey and the nuances of pool, inspiring both fans and aspiring players alike with his passion for the game.

Key Moments

– Professional Pool
– Russian Athletes
– Billiards Techniques
– Pool Tournaments
– Sports Injuries
– Pool Equipment
– Mental Game in Pool
– Pool Hustling
– Training and Practice
– Pool History
– Sportsmanship
– Pool Culture
– Physical Fitness in Pool
– Pool Coaching
– Matchroom Pool
– Pool Gambling
– Pool Player Biographies
– Pool Table Variations
0:00:00 – Introduction to The Joe Rogan Experience
0:01:08 – Discussion on Russian athlete bans
0:02:56 – Fedor Gorst's move from Russia to the US
0:04:45 – Fedor's knee injury and recovery
0:06:21 – Biggest tournament winnings discussed
0:07:12 – Explanation of pool table pockets
0:08:48 – Fedor's early start in pool at age 8 or 9
0:11:04 – Importance of discipline in pool
0:12:24 – Comparison between snooker and pool tables
0:15:32 – Discussion on player stance and technique
0:17:50 – National coach's impact on Russian team
0:20:06 – Use of break racks in pool
0:23:26 – Fedor's personal ideas for the sport
0:29:40 – Hustling stories and high-stakes matches
0:31:35 – Atmosphere and crowd reactions at tournaments
0:35:54 – Video of Earl Strickland playing pool
0:37:31 – Discussion on cue tip sizes and equipment
0:39:22 – Importance of playing with skilled opponents
0:41:20 – Pool player personalities and stories
0:46:42 – Fascination with precision in pool shots
0:49:27 – Balancing physical fitness with pool playing
0:53:07 – Challenges of scoliosis for a pool player
0:56:37 – Advantages of a powerful break in pool
1:01:06 – Training fundamentals and practice routines
1:04:12 – Pressure and nerves in tournament play
1:07:05 – Marijuana use and its effects on performance
1:10:13 – Differences between eight-foot and nine-foot tables
1:13:44 – Filipino influence on pool playing style
1:17:28 – Distractions during tournament matches
1:20:58 – Reasons for heavier pool cues
1:24:35 – High-stakes match with $20,000 prize
1:28:07 – Unusual behaviors of top players during matches
1:31:48 – Playing against top legends like Francisco Bustamante
1:34:52 – Impact of bad rolls on match outcomes
1:36:01 – Remembering legendary players like Dennis Hatch
1:42:56 – Concerns about brain damage in combat sports
1:43:13 – Growth of Matchroom Pool and streaming shows
2:00:29 – Decline of Hollywood Billiards pool hall
2:06:11 – Challenges of watching longer race formats
2:11:22 – Explanation of Calcutta betting in pool
2:14:06 – Differences in training styles between players
2:16:04 – Closing wishes and future prospects

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:21 How old are you, man? Starting point is 00:00:38 But I've been around the billiard balls since the very beginning. Starting point is 00:01:08 So since the end of February when the whole thing started, they banned all the Russian athletes. Starting point is 00:01:38 You know, Ovechkin is still playing. Starting point is 00:01:59 Well, you can understand it from, I don't know, from like the business point of view. Starting point is 00:02:24 From Russia, yeah. Starting point is 00:02:56 So how did you make the trek from Russia coming to the United States to play? Starting point is 00:03:18 So you were like, what, 16 or something? Starting point is 00:03:36 And then a lot of people kind of recognized that I can play, Starting point is 00:04:03 everybody goes down to the Derby City. Starting point is 00:04:13 I've heard, but I wasn't. Starting point is 00:04:45 And I injured my knee. Starting point is 00:05:10 It was a big deal. Starting point is 00:05:33 Not an early age for most people, obviously not an early age for you, Starting point is 00:05:53 It depends on my tournament schedule. Starting point is 00:06:21 The biggest amount that I ever won was Starting point is 00:06:58 Oh, yeah. Starting point is 00:07:12 On a pool table, there's six pockets. Starting point is 00:07:44 something like 11 something like Starting point is 00:08:15 because it's something that people get very, very, very addicted to. Starting point is 00:08:48 And I think I was about 8 or 9 years old. Starting point is 00:09:25 Only in the U.S., it's more of a, you know, some entertainment that you can just go to the bar and drink beer and have fun. Starting point is 00:09:49 Kopinyi, I heard they have a day where all they do is jump. Starting point is 00:10:02 before when I was a kid. Starting point is 00:10:25 bunch of movies and stuff. Really, really interesting guy. But he went over to Russia Starting point is 00:11:...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1917?

Fedor Gorst was the guest on JRE #1917. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1917?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1917 with Fedor Gorst, topics include Professional Pool, Russian Athletes, Billiards Techniques, and Pool Tournaments.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1917?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1917 with Fedor Gorst is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.