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Mario He

Mario He (born 3 August 1993 in Rankweil, ) is an Austrian professional player known by the nickname "The Panda". He has achieved significant success in international billiards, including two titles in 2017 and 2019 partnering with compatriot , and multiple victories at the , such as the 8-ball events in 2012 and 2021, and the 9-ball event in 2024. Hei's career highlights also encompass strong performances on the World Tour and other major tournaments. In 2024, he reached the final of the 10-Ball, finishing as runner-up to Poland's Daniel Macioł after a 13-4 defeat, earning $40,000 in prize money. He has secured six Eurotour wins and three bronze medals at the World Pool Championships across various disciplines. As of October 2025, He ranks fourth in the World Pool Association men's player rankings, reflecting his consistent earnings and competitive edge, with over $93,000 in prize money from alone.

Early life

Childhood in Austria

Mario He was born on August 3, 1993, in Rankweil, . Rankweil, a in the region of western , has a population of approximately 12,000 and provided the setting for his early childhood in a close-knit community environment. This small-town upbringing in , known for its alpine landscapes and local traditions, shaped his foundational years amid typical regional influences.

Introduction to pool and chess

Mario He discovered at the age of 11 in 2004, when a friend introduced him to the game at Patrick's pool hall in his hometown of Rankweil, . What began as a casual outing quickly captivated him, as he later recalled immediately falling in love with the sport upon picking up a cue. This initial exposure transitioned into regular practice sessions at the local club, where he honed basic skills through informal play and gradually built a in precision and strategy. Parallel to his budding interest in , He excelled in chess during his early teens, emerging as one of the top youth players in the state of around 2006. As a member of the Schachklub Rankweil, he reached the youth elite level in regional competitions, developing a keen sense of and tactical that would later influence his approach to competitive sports. Although he eventually shifted focus away from chess toward billiards, these formative years in the game cultivated a disciplined essential for high-stakes matches. At age 18, He began entering early pool tournaments, starting with local Austrian events that provided structured and further refined his . These grassroots experiences in and nearby areas allowed him to apply the analytical skills from chess to pool's geometric challenges, transitioning from recreational player to emerging competitor while still balancing and activities. His participation in such events marked the onset of a competitive drive that propelled him toward professional aspirations.

Professional career

Amateur and early professional years

He began his competitive pool career as an amateur in around , competing in local tournaments and progressing to national events. In , He claimed victory in the Austrian Pool 8-ball division, marking an early highlight in his domestic play. The following year, he added the Austrian Pool 10-ball title to his resume, solidifying his status among rising talents in the country. Transitioning to the professional level, He made his international debut at the 2011 , where he reached notable stages before securing his breakthrough in 2012. At the 2012 in , He won the men's 8-ball division, defeating Ukraine's Koschowyj 8–0 in the final—a dominant performance that announced his arrival on the European stage. This victory earned him his first major title and helped establish him as a contender. He entered the Euro Tour circuit in the early 2010s, gaining experience through consistent participation in events across . His performances steadily improved, with strong showings in tournaments like the 2014 Dutch Open, where he finished third. By 2016, He achieved his first Euro Tour win at the Dynamic Billard North Open, defeating Greece's Ekonomopoulos 9–5 in the final and earning $5,400. This triumph marked a pivotal entry into the professional circuit, boosting his confidence and visibility. Through the mid-2010s, He's ranking progressed within pool, reaching the top 50 by 2015 based on cumulative Euro Tour points and results. His earnings from professional events rose accordingly, reflecting growing consistency; for instance, he amassed over $9,000 in 2011 alone from international play. These early years laid the foundation for his ascent, emphasizing disciplined shot-making and strategic play honed in Austrian and competitions.

Breakthrough and major wins

Mario He's breakthrough came in 2017 with his partnership alongside compatriot at the , where the Austrian duo claimed their nation's first title in the event. Representing , they navigated a challenging bracket, defeating 7–5 in the opening round, followed by a decisive 7–2 victory over to advance to the knockout stages. Their momentum continued with a 9–7 quarterfinal win against and a dominant 9–1 semifinal rout of , setting up a final against the . In the championship match, He and Ouschan overcame and 10–6, securing the $60,000 prize and elevating He's profile on the international stage. Later that year, He achieved his first Euro Tour title at the Dynamic Billard Austrian Open, a home event that marked a significant personal milestone. In the final held in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, he defeated Spain's 9–2, showcasing precise break shots and strong safety play to claim the €5,000 winner's share. This victory not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his status as an emerging force in European 9-ball competition. He faced a setback in when he was forced to withdraw from the European team due to a failed for a prohibited non-performance-enhancing substance, which impacted team selection and his anticipated debut in the prestigious team event. The incident, stemming from an out-of-competition test, led to an ongoing case with the and temporarily halted his momentum. He rebounded strongly in 2019, repeating as champions with Ouschan. The pair stormed to an 11–3 final victory over the ' Carlo and Jeffrey de Luna in , , demonstrating superior race-to-11 format execution and defensive prowess to defend their title convincingly. Later that summer, He captured his second Euro Tour crown at the Dynamic Billard Veldhoven Open in the , edging out Estonia's Denis Grabe 9–8 in the final on his birthday, further cementing his breakthrough period with back-to-back major wins.

Recent career (2019–present)

In the years following his triumphs, Mario He maintained a strong presence on the pool circuit, consistently reaching advanced stages in major tournaments while adapting to the increasing competitiveness and global expansion of professional 9-ball events. His performances underscored a resilient playing style, often involving comebacks against top-ranked opponents in high-stakes settings. He reached the semi-finals of the 2023 , where he fell to eventual champion , marking a solid start to the year amid a packed schedule of and Matchroom-sanctioned competitions. Later that year, He achieved runner-up finishes in both the 8-ball and 10-ball divisions of the US Open events, losing to in the finals of each—11-7 in the hot seat match and 11-6 in the true final for 10-ball, and coming from the winner's side in the 8-ball decider. These results highlighted his versatility across disciplines as the sport saw growing emphasis on multi-format proficiency. Continuing his momentum into 2024, He advanced to the final of the Ho Chi Minh City Open on September 29, where he was defeated 13-8 by Carlo Biado, demonstrating his ability to navigate grueling knockout formats in emerging Asian markets. He also secured a runner-up position at the Qatar World Cup of 10-Ball, losing 13-4 in the final to the eventual winner, which reinforced his standing in WPA-ranked events amid the sport's shift toward higher prize pools and international venues. Participation in prominent Matchroom Pool series further solidified his elite status; he competed in the 2024 Premier League Pool, finishing 9th after a series of competitive matches against the world's top players, and reached the round of 16 at the 2024 World Pool Masters before elimination. In 2025, He placed 9th to 16th at the World Pool Championship in July, exiting in the round of 16 with an 11-5 loss to , reflecting sustained contention in the evolving landscape of professional pool where rapid tactical adjustments and endurance play pivotal roles. In October 2025, He reached the quarterfinals of the Yalin Men's World 8-Ball Championship in , , finishing 9th after a loss in the last 16, earning $4,375.

Achievements

European titles

Mario He has secured three gold medals at the , showcasing his versatility across disciplines and solidifying his status as one of Europe's top players. His debut major continental triumph occurred in 2012, when he captured the men's 8-ball title in by defeating Ukraine's Artem Koshovyi in the final, marking a breakthrough in his early professional career. He added a second 8-ball gold in 2021 at the event in , , where he overcame a grueling schedule to prevail in the final against Poland's Karol Skowerski, 8-6, demonstrating resilience in high-pressure matches. This victory highlighted his tactical acumen in 8-ball, a discipline where he has consistently excelled on the continent. In 2024, He expanded his repertoire by winning the men's 9-ball title in Podčetrtek, , defeating Germany's Luca Menn 11-7 in the final—his first gold in the discipline. This success came after earlier 8-ball runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024, underscoring his sustained competitiveness at the championships level. Beyond the championships, He has dominated the Dynamic/Predator Euro Tour, a premier circuit of professional 9-ball events across , with six victories that affirm his consistency and adaptability on varied tables and conditions. His first tour win arrived in 2016 at the North Open, where he outlasted Denmark's Dennis Grabe 10-5 in the final. He followed with the 2017 Austrian Open on home soil, defeating Spain's Francisco Sanchez Ruiz 9-2 to claim the title in front of a supportive crowd. He achieved back-to-back successes in 2018, first at the in the by edging out Russia's Ruslan Chinakhov 9-8, and then at the in , overcoming Britain's Mark Gray 9-8 in a tense decider. In 2019, he repeated as champion at the , this time besting China's Shen Li 9-6. His most recent Euro Tour triumph came in 2022 at the Italian Open in , where he defeated fellow Austrian Max Lechner 9-7, further cementing his record among the tour's most decorated players. In his formative years, He also captured multiple Austrian national titles, including 8-ball and 9-ball crowns in and , which provided crucial experience and propelled his transition to international competition. These early domestic successes laid the foundation for his broader European dominance.

World Cup of Pool and international successes

Mario He has achieved significant success in the , a premier international team event organized by Matchroom Pool, partnering with fellow Austrian . In 2017, as the second-seeded team, they advanced through the knockout stages by defeating 7-5, 7-2, 9-7, and 9-1 before securing the title with a 10-6 victory over the in the final at , . This marked Austria's first-ever World Cup triumph, earning the duo $60,000 in prize money. He and Ouschan repeated their success in 2019, reaching their third consecutive final after wins over (11-4), (11-5), the (11-6), and (11-7) in the semifinals. They dominated the final against the ' Carlo and Jeff De Luna, winning 11-3 at the in , , to claim their second title and $60,000. This achievement solidified their status as one of the most dominant pairs in the event's history. Beyond the , He has earned bronze medals in three major World Championships during the 2020s, highlighting his consistency in individual global competitions. In the 2022 Predator World 8-Ball Championship in , he reached the semifinals, defeating opponents including before losing to Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. He advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 in , , where he fell to Sanchez Ruiz again after notable wins over Ko and Niels Feijen. In 2025, He secured another bronze at the in , finishing third. He has also excelled in straight pool (14.1 continuous) on the international stage, winning the 2023 American Straight Pool Championship in , where he came from behind to defeat Lee Vann Corteza 150-48 in the final after a hot-seat loss, capping a run that included a 107-ball streak. He defended his prowess by claiming the 2024 International Straight Pool Open title in , overcoming fellow Austrian Max Lechner 150-131 in an all-Austrian final to secure back-to-back victories in the discipline. In other notable international performances, He reached the final of the 2024 in , a World Nineball Tour event, where he lost a close race-to-13 match 13-8 to after defeating players like Alex Kazakis in the semifinals. These results underscore He's competitive edge in high-stakes global tournaments outside European circuits.

Rankings and earnings

Mario He reached his highest world ranking of No. 4 as of October 2025, marking a significant improvement from his previous peak of No. 23 achieved in 2021. He has maintained consistent positions within the global top 50 since 2017 and has held top-10 status in rankings during this period. His professional earnings reflect this sustained performance. In 2024, He earned $93,010, securing 15th place on the AZBilliards money leaderboard. Through November 2025, his 2025 earnings stand at $40,093, placing him 51st on the same leaderboard. These figures contribute to an estimated total career exceeding $500,000 from major events, underscoring his financial success in the sport.
YearEarningsAZB Rank
2023$105,633Not specified
2024$93,01015th
2025$40,09351st

Playing style and equipment

Technique and strengths

Mario He specializes in and , disciplines in which he has achieved significant success, including multiple European titles and consistent high finishes on the . In 9-ball, he emphasizes its dynamic nature, combining offensive run-outs with defensive elements to control the table. His expertise in 8-ball is highlighted by strong performances in major events, such as reaching the quarterfinals of the . Among his key strengths are powerful breaks that often scatter balls effectively, as demonstrated by his smashing opening break in a 2025 European Championships match. He excels in precise safety shots, engaging in prolonged defensive battles to limit opponents' options, such as in his 2021 match against where -safes dominated play. Advanced shots are a hallmark of his game, with notable examples including a tough two-rail leading to a during the 2024 Premier League against . His long-distance accuracy is evident in high-pressure situations, like the amazing long thin cut he potted in the 2023 World Pool Championship semifinal against Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Strategically, He maintains a calm demeanor that has earned him the nickname "The Panda," allowing him to stay composed under pressure and make strong shot selections in critical moments. This mental fortitude supports his focus on position play, where he prioritizes cue ball control to set up favorable patterns, while using defensive play to apply pressure on opponents. To hone these skills, He incorporates into his daily practice routines, using it to enhance cue ball control, pattern play, and ball-splitting abilities, which translate to better performance in his primary disciplines. He typically practices 4-5 times per week for 2-4 hours, focusing on drills and replaying match scenarios when not traveling for tournaments. This regimen contributed to his successful defense of the 2024 International Open Straight Pool title, where he defeated Max Lechner 150-131.

Sponsors and gear

Mario He is primarily affiliated with Matchroom Pool as a professional player, competing in flagship events such as the and the Premier League Pool, which serve as key platforms for his career visibility and earnings. His primary equipment sponsor is Mezz Cues in partnership with Exceed Cues, providing custom high-performance cues that he has utilized since the 2010s to meet evolving performance demands like reduced deflection and improved accuracy during international competitions. His current playing cue is the Exceed model EXD2-23NMHw paired with an IGNITE 12.2mm shaft, designed for low-deflection play and natural feel; for breaking, he uses the Power Break model PBGG-H, emphasizing power and control in high-stakes matches. Additionally, his setup includes a Mezz Airdrive 3 jump cue (AD3) and an NMZ-35K soft case for travel and protection during global tours. He also holds endorsements from Taom Billiards for their products, which he adopted for superior grip and minimal ball skid, enhancing consistency in his stroke after testing various options in the market. In 2024, Onboard Sportswear became his apparel , outfitting him with custom jerseys and performance gear for World Nineball Tour events, including a dedicated "Panda" line reflecting his nickname and style. That same year, Grand Casino joined as a , supporting his interests in and poker while funding international travel and training. These partnerships collectively facilitate his participation in European and world-level events, providing financial backing and specialized gear tailored to his technical needs.

Personal life

Family and residence

Mario He was born on August 3, 1993, in Rankweil, . He hails from and maintains his primary residence in Feldkirch despite the extensive global travel required by his professional career. He bases his training in , allowing him to balance the demands of international tournaments with a stable home life. Of Austrian heritage, He keeps details of his immediate family private, with no public information available regarding a spouse or children. He has emphasized the importance of family support in sustaining his career, noting that he values time spent with family and friends during breaks from competition to recharge amid his rigorous schedule.

Interests and other pursuits

Beyond his professional career in pool, Mario He has pursued poker as a significant , beginning at the age of 15 or 16 with casual play before entering and at age 18 around 2011. He engaged seriously in poker for the initial 2–3 years after , treating it as a complementary activity to , and achieved notable success including a win at the at King's Casino approximately 6–7 years ago. Although he now participates in fewer —about five per year—He continues to enjoy Pot-Limit Omaha recreationally and has accumulated verifiable tournament earnings, such as €53,637 from a €220 buy-in in January 2019. He often draws parallels between poker and , highlighting shared elements like variance, , mental focus, and analyzing opponents to inform strategic decisions. In discussions, He has noted how both games demand controlling emotions during downturns, stating, "You have to be able to control your head when you’re not doing well," which underscores the psychological overlap that appeals to him. This connection has kept poker as an ongoing interest, providing a break from while reinforcing skills in high-pressure scenarios. He emphasizes self-improvement as a core pursuit across his activities, viewing sports like and poker as avenues for personal growth and learning from setbacks. In a 2024 interview, he discussed building mental by analyzing mistakes post-loss, explaining, "If you made a mistake you have to learn from it," and crediting a strong drive to improve for his sustained success in both games and life. This focus on and continuous development extends to his broader approach, where he prioritizes enjoyment and social connections, such as spending time with friends and family when not competing.