American Pool is one of the most popular forms of cue sports, known globally for its fast-paced gameplay and diverse game types. Whether you’re watching a dramatic final at the US Open 9-Ball Championship or casually breaking a rack at your local bar, American Pool blends skill, flair, and pressure like few other formats.
What Distinguishes American Pool?
Most recognizable by its larger tables (typically 9 feet), wide pockets, and colored numbered balls, American Pool includes numerous game variants such as:
- 9-Ball – Fast, aggressive, and the go-to game on the pro tour
- 8-Ball – Perhaps the most widely played cue sport in North America
- 10-Ball – A more challenging cousin of 9-ball, gaining popularity for its emphasis on precision
- Straight Pool (14.1) – A classic requiring deep strategy and careful pattern play
All official professional games of American Pool use stripes-and-solids balls (numbered 1–15) and follow World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) rules, with regional adaptations in casual or bar formats.
An International Sport with American Roots
While it’s known as “American Pool,” the sport is global in its reach. Tournaments such as the Mosconi Cup (USA vs. Europe), World 9-Ball Championship, and World Cup of Pool bring together the best from around the world. American legends like Earl Strickland, Shane Van Boening, and Jeanette Lee have helped shape its history, while global stars from Europe and Asia now dominate many of today’s leading events.
Explore American Pool Tournaments & History
This hub will guide you through the key professional and amateur tournaments that define the American Pool calendar:
- US Open 9-Ball Championship
- World Pool Championship
- Derby City Classic
- Mosconi Cup
- WPA World Series of Pool
Stay tuned as we compile results, profiles, standout matches, and full tournament histories. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just entering the world of cue sports, this is your gateway to everything American Pool.