Kim Young-won, dubbed the 'genius' of billiards in Korea, triumphed at the 2025-2026 Hana Card Hana Capital Jeju Special Self-Governing Province PBA-LPBA World Championship held on Jeju Island. At just 18 years and four months old, he won against Cho Geon-hwi in the finals with a set score of 4-2. This victory not only signifies his individual achievement but also represents a new wave of talent in the sport, showcasing the potential of younger players in professional billiards.

Starting his career at 15, Kim quickly made a name for himself by breaking the record for the youngest champion in a major tournament, earning a total prize money of around 460 million won so far. His exceptional skill, recorded over just two seasons, positions him as a dominant force in the sport, with three total victories while being just a teenager. The final match saw him come from behind in critical moments, displaying resilience and strategic play when facing adversities, which ultimately secured his victory.

In a post-match interview, Kim expressed gratitude towards Hacker, a prominent billiards YouTuber who recognized his potential and instilled confidence in him. He acknowledged that Hacker's mentorship contributed significantly to his training, and fulfilling the challenge presented by Hacker to become a world champion has brought him immense joy. Kim highlighted the importance of learning from experienced players and his ongoing commitment to improving his game, aiming to bridge the gap between his naturally strong play and tackling difficult shots with more consistency.