How Silis could benefit from the title boost in his daily life: ”Right track”

Not only did Atis Silis beat his bestie to become the world champion.

The victory also gave him confidence that reached beyond table hockey.

Now the 36-year-old father minds his own business – literally.

✔ Merits: World champion 2013 in Stavanger.

✔ Results: Won the final against Edgars Caics by 4-1 (4-2, 1-6, 3-2, 7-1, 3-2s).

✔ Profile: Latvia’s first world champion who beat his very good friend Edgars in a historic final. Although the always smiling Atis Silis has just announced a presumably long break from table hockey, he will forever be one of the goats. Powerful attacker, mentally strong and sometimes underestimated in his tactical skills.

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

“I remember lovely Norwegian players, a big cake, and warm greetings on Youtube from Lithuanian and Belarusian players. That year I was teaching children at the youth center Laimīte, stepping in for Edgars Caics while he was in the USA. I devoted all my time to both teaching and practicing. Winning gold gives you the confidence that your thinking and actions are on the right track. That is something you can apply to everyday life, because you’ve learned the mindset and the path it takes to succeed.”

What were the keys to your victory?

“Practice, dedication and drive.”

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

“I came very close – lost in the final to Maxim Borisov. I should have worked harder to earn it.”

When was the last time you played table hockey?

“Riga Cup 2023.”

What are your impressions of international table hockey today?

“We need to make significant changes in order to grow in the right direction. But as of now, no one has stepped up with a clear strategy, a solid plan, and the dedication needed to lead that change. At the end of the day, it also comes down to funding – we all need to balance passion with the realities of daily life. The ITHF is operating at a basic level, simply because someone has to keep it going. Many thanks to Bjarne for ensuring that the essentials are still running.”

Are there things that were better in the past?

“I was young with the dedication to table hockey and no responsibility.”

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.”

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

“I run my own full-service event agency, organizing a wide range of events, including sports games, team-building activities, conferences, corporate functions, marketing gatherings, and more. There isn’t really any substitute for table hockey as most of my time goes to family and running the event agency. In my spare time, I play squash twice a week to keep my dopamine levels up – it’s been nearly three years now.”

Who will win the world championships 2025?

“Edgars Caics.”