Borisov reveals his Fifa results – but hopes to come back to table hockey

Prime Borisov is still the benchmark of modern table hockey.

But we might not have seen the best of him.

Maxim, 30, keeps the dream alive and hopes to bring the next generation along.

✔ Merits: World champion 2015 in S:t Petersburg and 2019 in Raubichi, Belarus.

✔ Results: Won the 2015 final against Atis Silis by 4-0 (3-1, 7-2, 5-2, 7-0) and the 2019 final against Anton Umanskyy by 4-1 (6-0, 5-4s, 3-4, 3-2, 5-0).

✔ Profile: At his peak, Borisov was the maximized result of table hockey evolution. With his left-handed technique he went beyond limits and he further developed the crucial wing pass that Dmitrichenko introduced in 2011. If there was ever perfection in our sport, it probably came from the iron-minded guy with the cap turned backwards.

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

“I remember my victories at the world championships quite well, because they are very important events for me. I won the first title in my hometown, it was really cool. And the second gold allowed me to regain the crown after an unsuccessful transition in my career.”

What were the keys to your victories?

“Hard work, lots of training, sparring and belief in victory.”

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

“In 2017, I lost the overtime of the seventh game in the final. But I won the next championship. And after winning in 2019, I didn’t go to the next world championship because of covid.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“Unfortunately, I can’t go to international tournaments now, although I would really like to. But I sometimes play tournaments in S:t Petersburg with my son. I believe that the time will soon come when the both of us can go to tournaments in Europe together.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“It’s hard for me to talk about international table hockey now, because we are currently in isolation.”

Are there things that were better in the past?

”For me, the times were better when I could freely travel to tournaments. And I believe that such a time will soon come again and we will meet at the hockey table!”

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?

“Yes, I would be happy to play in future world championships!”

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

“After winning in 2019, I got into Fifa and became a pro player and content maker. I got to the final stage of the eSports Champions League and won the silver medal in the Russian championship twice.”

Who will win the world championships 2025?

“I don’t know because I haven’t seen the level of the players.”