The pool world is mourning the loss of Mika Immonen, the Finnish-born two-time world champion known as the ‘Iceman’ for his unshakable focus and icy composure under pressure. Immonen died Sunday in Manhattan at age 52 after a battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, first diagnosed in late 2023.
Mika Immonen, nicknamed ‘The Iceman,’ was revered for his mental toughness and physical discipline. — Photo: The New York Times
Why He Was Called ‘The Iceman’
Immonen earned his nickname not just for his calm demeanor, but for his relentless discipline. Unlike many in a sport often associated with casual play, Immonen treated pool like elite athletics—training daily, avoiding carbs, and insisting that physical fitness was essential to competitive success.
“Mercy is a disease,” Immonen once said. “If you feel sorry for your opponent, it’s contagious.”
Career Highlights
- 2001: Won the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship, defeating Germany’s Ralf Souquet in an emotional final.
- 2008–2009: Back-to-back U.S. Open Nine-Ball titles.
- 2009: Captured the inaugural WPA World 10-Ball Championship.
- 2016: Claimed the World Straight Pool title in New York, beating mentor Earl Strickland.
Championship Timeline: Immonen’s Rise to Greatness
| Year | Tournament | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | WPA World Nine-Ball | World Champion |
| 2008 | U.S. Open Nine-Ball | Champion |
| 2009 | U.S. Open Nine-Ball | Back-to-back Champion |
| 2009 | WPA World 10-Ball | Inaugural Champion |
| 2016 | World Straight Pool | Defeated Earl Strickland in NYC |
Infographic: The Anatomy of a Champion
Immonen believed elite pool required far more than just shot-making—it demanded total-body discipline.
A Mentor and Rival
Immonen’s 2016 straight pool victory over Earl Strickland—often dubbed the “Michael Jordan of pool”—was especially symbolic. Once a protégé, Immonen had evolved into a peer, proving that his methodical, fitness-driven approach could triumph even in the most traditional formats.
Tributes Pour In
“He changed how we think about training in cue sports,” said Jonathan Smith, house pro at Society Billiards in Manhattan. “Mika showed that pool isn’t just a game—it’s a sport that rewards preparation as much as talent.”
