When it comes to jaw-dropping skill, creativity, and showmanship with a pool cue, Florian "Venom" Kohler stands alone as the greatest trick shot artist of all time. His innovative trick shots executed with pinpoint accuracy and style have amazed fans across the globe while pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible in artistic pool.
Kohler first picked up a pool cue at age 14, and was initially focused on competitive pool. But after seeing trick shot performances by legends like Mike Massey, Kohler became inspired to develop his own artistic style. He dedicated himself to inventing original trick shots and honing the skills to perform them flawlessly under pressure.
Florian "Venom" Kohler‘s Remarkable Career
Now 33 years old, Kohler boasts one of the most impressive resumes in pool trick shooting:
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3x winner of the artistic pool world championships
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2x winner of the Paul Newman classic trick shot competition
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1st person to consecutively sink 3 balls in called pockets while doing a handstand
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Over 30 signature trick shot techniques invented like "The Sniper" and "The Bullet"
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1 million+ social media followers and hundreds of millions of video views
According to Trickshot Magazine, Kohler has contributed more new trick types and shots to artistic pool than any other player in the modern era. His unprecedented creativity keeps audiences guessing what he‘ll do next.
Master of Extreme Spin and Precision
What sets Kohler apart is his mastery of applying extreme spin to pull off physics-defying shots. By controlling the spin axis and speed, he can make the cue ball move in wild, unpredictable trajectories to hit targets at odd angles.
His most famous technique is the massé shot where extreme backspin causes the cue ball to curve backwards in an arc. Kohler uses this to bank shots not just off one rail, but two, three, or even four rails before sinking the target ball. He sinks massé shots from as far back as the table‘s length away into the corner pocket.
According to Billiards Digest, Kohler has made more successful massé shots in competition than all other players in history combined. His ability to visualize and precisely control spin makes these shots possible.
Viral Trick Shot Videos
A key part of Kohler‘s global fame is his vast library of viral trick shot videos. His YouTube channel alone has over 450 million views. Fans love the unique format of his videos:
- Cinematic, slow-motion footage of the trick shots
- Dramatic backgrounds and music
- Detailed diagrams showing shot trajectories
- Kohler‘s enthusiastic narration explaining the physics and skill behind each shot
One compilation video titled "Best Pool Trick Shots Ever" has over 50 million views:
Videos like this have brought artistic pool into the mainstream and inspired new generations to appreciate the sport.
Trick Shooting Around the World
Based in Germany, Kohler has toured over 40 countries with his trick shot exhibitions. He estimates performing over 10,000 shows in front of live crowds ranging from a few dozen to several thousand people.
His performances feature a mix of signature trick shots and improvised ones using objects provided by the audience. In addition to pool tables, he has executed mind-blowing shots on giant outdoor boards, ice rinks, bowling lanes, and more.
Kohler‘s global tours and TV appearances have made him the most recognizable trick shot artist in the world. He has attracted high profile sponsors like Mercedes and Hugo Boss. Kohler also mentors up-and-coming trick shooters at his professionally-equipped training facility.
Impact on the Sport
According to Massey, Kohler‘s imagination and skills have "raised the bar for what is possible in trick shooting." Top players now borrow and build upon the shots Kohler created to develop their own styles.
Trick shooting competitions have also evolved to feature more elaborate props and creative formats to keep up with Kohler‘s innovations. His viral success has helped drive renewed mainstream interest in pool from younger generations.
While he has won virtually every major title, Kohler says his passion comes from inventing shots and inspiring audiences:
My motivation is the creativity – thinking of something that hasn‘t been done before. The best moment is seeing fans react with shock and joy when I make a shot for the first time.
At just 33 years old, Florian Kohler has already cemented his legacy as the greatest trick shot artist of all time. With his unmatched creativity and skill, Venom continues raising the bar to keep fans amazed for decades to come.
