Carlo Biado fails to claim second US Open title, bows out in last 64

 Carlo Biado’s bid to capture his second US Open Pool Championship title came to an unexpected halt when he bowed out in the Round of 64 following a 9–4 loss to Estonia’s Denis Grabe in Atlantic City.

Biado entered the tournament as the reigning World 9-ball Champion, having just defeated world No. 1 Fedor Gorst 15–13 in the Jeddah World Pool Championship final, making history as the first Filipino to win the title twice. 

The victory not only secured him a $250,000 winner’s prize from a $1 million pool but also vaulted him to No. 2 in the World Nineball Tour rankings.

After his world championship triumph, Biado also tackled the inaugural Florida Open (August 5–10), using it as preparation for the US Open . He rolled into Atlantic City brimming with confidence and momentum. In fact, betting markets listed him among the leading contenders, giving him 14/1 odds.

The US Open in 2025 featured a massive field of 256 elite players, including 14 former champions, and offered a record-breaking $500,000 prize fund.

Unfortunately, Biado’s campaign was cut short. Facing Grabe—who just captured the Las Vegas Open Ten-ball title—Biado fell behind early and never found a foothold in the match. Biado 

“I didn’t start well and Denis took full advantage. He played excellent and never really gave me a chance to get back into the match. That’s the US Open — you can’t afford a slow start at this level.”

World Champion Carlo Biado is unable to match Fedor Gorst’s achievement of the WPC/US Open double in 2024

The Filipino is swept aside 10-4 by Estonia’s Denis Grabe https://t.co/GNXL4VDsYd | #WNT | #USOpenPool pic.twitter.com/UJSvP1JJh2

— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) August 21, 2025

“Of course I’m disappointed, but I’ll come back stronger in the next tournament. I wish Denis and the other Filipino players the best of luck.”

Biado’s early exit contrasts sharply with his recent dominance on the global stage—but it doesn’t diminish the magnitude of his achievements. From being inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame to reigning as a multi-discipline world champion, Biado continues to cement his legacy as one of the Philippines’ most decorated cue artists.

With his eyes now set on the next events in the World 9-ball Tour calendar, Biado’s resolve remains firm. As the sport’s most storied tournament loosens its grip, he gears up for future challenges—ready to bring his championship fire back to the table.

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