Edinburgh teenager crowned foosball world champion after triple gold win
The Liberton High School said he had to stay focused and believe in himself if he wanted to take home gold
A 14-year-old boy from Edinburgh has become a world champion in foosball after winning three junior titles in an international tournament.
Filip Cellary took home gold for Great Britain at the 2026 International Table Soccer Federation’s world series in Cieszyn, Poland last week.
The Liberton High School student, who is the only competitive junior foosball player in Scotland, said: “It’s a great feeling to be a champion.”
A fast paced and competitive version of the game first patented in 1923, the competition saw players from around the world battle it out to hit the back of the net.
When not representing Great Britain in both the junior and men’s national teams, the youngster hones his skills against local players at the Ball Room in Meadowbank.
The world champion said: "I feel really proud and motivated after the win.
“Before the tournament, I was confident and excited but I was also nervous about disappointing myself and my doubles partner, Stanley Darragh.
“In the end, I stayed focused, believed in myself and gave it my best.”
He only got involved with the British Foosball Association four years ago alongside his mum Eliza Kilian who is now its director and captain of the British women’s national team.
Mum Eliza Kilian said she hopes his success will encourage more people to get involved in the sport which she said builds a whole host of skills like teamwork, hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
The piano teacher-turned competitive foosball player said: “Filip’s success is particularly remarkable because foosball — or table football — is still relatively unknown as a competitive sport in Scotland.
“Yet behind the game there is a growing community of players, and the British Foosball Association works hard to develop and promote the sport across the UK.”
The Edinburgh teen’s “extraordinary haul” is one of the most successful junior medal achievements in the history of the tournament according to the BFA.
Congratulating him and his teammates Stanley and Anya Darragh, the BFA said: “You have made British foosball proud and created a moment that will be remembered for years to come!”