Mental preparations gave Caics the edge – talked to himself in the toilet

When Edgars Caics wrote his biography, it looked like a sign of retirement.

Nothing could be more wrong.

At the age of 35 he still goes for gold with full confidence.

✔ Merits: World champion 2017 in Liberec.

✔ Results: Won the final against Maxim Borisov by 4-3 (1-4, 2-6, 2-1, 1-2s, 2-1, 3-1, 2-1s).

✔ Profile: Edgars was never the purest talent of his generation, but few players have ever had the same determination to go for greatness. Before the final against Borisov in 2017, he was heard talking to himself in the toilet: “I am the champion, I am the champion!” And so he was soon to become.

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

“Thanks to a long blog post that I wrote a couple of days after my victory in 2017, I remember a lot. The main points: It was emotional, after the tournament I felt empty for a couple of days and I had a huge feeling of relief. Finally I did it!”

What were the keys to your victory?

“Mainly it was a mental part, to be really ready for the win and expect it. My hands have always been good, but this time I had a positive self talk about the upcoming win, some posters in my home, and an empty place for the winner’s cup. And I believe that this also created the luck factor that helped me to win three playoff series in game seven, two of them in overtime. I guess the level of my game was an upper usual. More can be read in my book Go for Greatness.”

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

“I did not do anything that I listed in the previous answer. Another gold had no meaning. But I have to say that the 2019 version of Borisov (next champion) was probably one of the best players in a single tournament ever. He totally deserved to win.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“My last competition was Czech Open in April, but on an everyday routine I play once a week with my Laimite training group. Next season I will play more, maybe even get five world tour tournaments.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“Sad to see that there are fewer tournaments on the world tour. Tallinn Cup and Swiss Open are over. I would have played there next season if I had a chance. The future does not seem bright. The only light comes from Karlis Balodis and his ambitious goals and plans, I hope he succeeds! From a game perspective, when I watch tournaments from home, it’s quite boring, because Rainers is much stronger than the rest of the field that regularly goes to tournaments. But there are still many great players that don’t show up that often. I hope everyone comes to Umeå, that will be really fun!”

Are there things that were better in the past?

Globally I would say that the game level has been higher than nowadays. It was more competitive and a tougher field. More challenging. Personally, I miss the overall vibe around the tournaments, the fun time and afterparties, because we always travelled in a funny group.”

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?

“I am planning to attend as many annual championships at the end of the season as I can. The rule is great, everyone benefits!”

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

“During summer, for more than ten years, I love beach volleyball more than table hockey. In the winter I really love cross-country skiing. Apart from that I go to the gym between October and June, together with my once-a-week training sessions with the Laimite guys.”

Who will win the world championships 2025?

”I hope all the best players will come, also the ones not playing so often like Korabel, Umanskyy, Roni, Hans and Ogge. It could be a tough fight, but I believe that without Borisov a motivated Edgars Caics is still almost unbeatable in the annual champs. The hardest competitors are Korabel, Matantsev and Kalnins. However, the last tournaments have shown that there can be some surprises from underdogs. Will be fun!”