Ekestubbe remembers three reasons behind his victory: ”I was all shaky”

Some people seem to appreciate the beauty of life a little more.

Anders Ekestubbe, 57, is probably one of them.

He played table hockey like a poet and it turns out he still enjoys his days in full colour.

✔ Merits: World champion 1993 in Paris.

✔ Results: Won the final against Fredrik Johansson by 3-1 (2-1, 3-0, 1-2, 7-1).

✔ Profile: A highly technical player and a true gentleman. His game style has been dubbed the ”poetry in motion” of table hockey by the living legend Sten Svensson. From his left winger, “Ekis” could score in every creative way possible. Stopped playing in the mid-nineties due to a hurting back, but has made a few comebacks. Won the superveteran title in Liberec 2017.

What do you remember the most from your world championship gold?

“That it was really an all out experience, from the outbound trip to arriving back home in Gothenburg. From the tournament I especially remember three things. First: The game against Libor Grabec in the round of 16. The support he had from his teammates was unbelievable. It was like attending an ice hockey game. I was all shaky after our games but I also felt that if I could make this, I would manage anything else too. Secondly: The victory against Jacob Lindahl in the semis. I had beaten him in the final of Weelu Cup 1993 so I had a good feeling. That, and a portion of luck, settled the game in my favour. Thirdly: The final against Fredrik Johansson. After the end whistle I rushed from the table and screamed of joy on my way out of the venue. Afterwards, the individual winners got to ride a rented limousine through the streets of Paris. I waved the Swedish flag out the car window when we cruised around Arc de Triomphe!”

What were the keys to your victory?

“That I continued the variety of my offensive game and wasn’t dependent on one specific move. I also managed to stop Fredrik’s normally so scary center moves. We had played at the Swedish championships a month or so before Paris. There he gave me a lesson that I learned from.”

Why didn’t you defend the gold medal at the following world championships?

“Simply because I faced an opponent who at that moment was better than me: A really inspired Lars Fridell. A player who could score the most unexpected goals.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“Oh, when was that? During the Swedish radio charity Musikhjälpen in 2022, they had a table hockey game in one of the studios. I went there to play for a while. Tournament-wise, I think it was at the world championships in 2017.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“I must admit that I don’t keep myself completely updated so I will pass that question.”

Are there things that were better in the past?

“Maybe that there were more Swedish players in the upper elite.”

Is there a chance that we will see you in future championships with help from the new rule that all former world champions are directly qualified?

“Here I will quote the Swedish cross country skier Gunde Svan: Nothing is impossible.”

What do you do nowadays? And is there another hobby that has replaced or can compete with table hockey in your daily life?

“I have always liked nature so I go for walks and hikes in different environments. Sweden is fantastic. It’s a good way of staying fit, enjoying the surroundings and spending some time with my wife. Now that our kids have left the nest, it’s fun to have found a mutual interest. During spring I am busy caring for my garden and all the plants. I am still way below the level of Caroline Eriksson, but it’s amusing anyway. Half a year ago I also became a granddad which takes up some time”.

Who will win the world championships 2025?

“The heart says that it will be a Swede, but I will safeguard with Rainers Kalnins.”