Hi Mika, it’s a pleasure to make you this interview, from bola-8.es want to thank you this opportunity.
– When did you start to play pool?
1987. My friend Jesse opened up a poolroom two blocks away from my home
– Do you remember what was your first cue?
It was a three cushion cue called Sakura. I thought it was for pool anyways.
– Whome bought it too you?
I won it in a competition
– Like many Finns will nicknamed «The Iceman», what is the story of that name?, is it only being Finnish?
It’s not only being Finnish but it was my cool demeanor. I thought also of the guy in the movie «Top Gun». Val Kilmers role was a pilot trainee who’s nickname was ICEMAN. I liked his work ethic
– You are one of the best European pool players, you have won virtually every major tournaments, Did you think that you’ll get so far?
I didn’t think that until after I won the World Championships 2001
– Who was the pool player you have ever liked?
I watched a lot of guys play when I was just starting. Storm, Souquet, Engert, Hallgren
It’s funny but back then there was a lot of good Swedish players and it was easy to go there and learn from themAlso, in 1992 I had a chance to play the «Challenge Cup» in Sweden organized by Jörgen Sandman. There I would see Reyes, Archer, Bustamante, Stricland, Varner etc etc for the first time.
– What was the first trophy or medal you won?
I won a Christmas tournament and got a big ham as the first prize
– World Champions, Mosconi’s Cup, US Open, …, countless titles, Where do you keep so many trophies?
A lot of them are in my original home club in Finland. Ritz Biljardi in Helsinki. Many are now in New York. Some are on west coast because I was involved in a poolroom there. Now in storage
– What is the title that makes you feel more proud?
Probably the back to back US Open championships was the hardest thing I have ever done.
Also voted the Player of The Decade is not bad when you think of all the talent out there
– What was the tournament that has been better organized?
The Matchroom tournaments are always great because they are televised. They also pay on time which is nice.
– How many time do you training each day?
About 4-5 hours + physical training like running or yoga
– What kind of training would you advise someone who wants to improve?
Study better players and then set your goals to beat them.
– In 2008 do you make with Intrinsic Media «MASTERING POOL» a 3-part pocket billiard instructional series, Would you recommend it if you didn’t make it?
Of course. It is by far the best quality learning DVD out there
– 8 Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, Straight, Snooker, … so many difference kinds for playing pool, What do you prefer?
Pool is pool, Snooker is not pool. I prefer any pool game, -9, 10, 8 or 14.1
– What seems to you the most complicated and complete category?
14.1 because there is a right way to play it and a million wrong ways
– Who is your best friend in pool’s world?
I have a few really good friends but I’d rather not expose who is and who is not. Then there are plenty who pretend to be good friends.
– Did you play any tournament in Spain?
Yeah a couple. Some eurotour but it’s been a while.
– What do you think?
I would definitely like to visit Spain more often. People are nice there. I loved Barcelona when I went last time. I hope to also visit Madrid
– What do you do when you’re off the table?
Good food, good wine & good friends.
Also I do work out to maintain good health. Movies on occasion.
– You’re a Finn born in England and living in New York, What was the reason why you’ve gone to live in New York?
It’s a great city. Amazing. People are very «driven» in NY. It’s a motivating environment. Also, it’s a great base because I can fly anywhere from NY.
– What kind of cue case have you?
It’s a basic Mezz case
– and to end the interview, What have you got in your cue case?
-Mezz MI-3,
-Mezz power break 1 & 2 with both DI and DI pro shafts.
-Mezz Air Drive
-Kamui chalk & tips
-Cue paper (Nick’s edge)
-Hex key for removing the weight bolt or adjustment (standard with Mezz Cues)
-Mezz Cue extension
-Talc
– Thanks so much Mika for letting us know more about you. From Bola-8.es we wish you the best of luck in your upcoming tournaments and we want to get the third consecutive year the title of «Champion of Champions» in October.
– If you want to know more about Mika, don’t forget enter in his website (www.mikaimmonen.com) and blog (www.icemanmika.blogspot.com)
– This Mika’s photo is taken of his Facebook profile.