Sarah

Matchroom and the World Nineball Tour are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mika Immonen. Immonen, known as The Iceman, was widely considered by fans, peers, and pundits to be one of the greatest to ever play the game whilst in his prime. His fearless playing style and incredible shot making won the adoration of fans all over the world. Immonen's dominating years came between 2000 and 2010, which saw the Finnish star win back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles (2008, 2009), and a World Pool Championship (2001) - a title which still sees him as the only Finnish World Pool Champion. He was a regular on Europe's Mosconi Cup team, representing his continent 15 times, the second most of any European, winning in four editions - as well as an MVP title in 2008. He won 'Player of the Decade' for his accomplishments across this time, and would then go on to lift the World Cup of Pool alongside Petri Makkonen for Finland in 2012. A fierce and passionate competitor on the table, his biggest battle came off the table when diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Our thoughts are with Mika's family, friends, and many fans during this incredibly sad time. Rest in Peace, Iceman.