Overview
Premier League Pool is a unique fixture in the professional 9-ball calendar, known not just for its impressive field of talent, but also for its unequaled format and viewer-friendly presentation. Unlike most elimination-style tournaments, Premier League Pool features a round-robin group format followed by knockout stages, which guarantees fans continuous top-tier matchups from the first day to the final.
Organized by Matchroom Pool, the same team behind the Mosconi Cup and World Pool Championship, Premier League Pool was revived in 2021 as part of the sport’s modernization effort and TV-first strategy. The tournament draws from the world’s top 16 ranked or invited players, placing them in an intensive, multi-day league structure that rewards consistency rather than just knockout brilliance.
What makes it stand out from traditional 9-ball tournaments is the level of access: competitors play every day on a single TV table, with every match streamed live to a global audience on Matchroom.Live, DAZN, and other international broadcasters. It was designed to bridge the gap between elite play and viewer engagement — and it’s succeeded.
Held over nine days, with more than 100 matches played, Premier League Pool offers a condensed, high-drama alternative to traditional 64-player elimination brackets. Fans see more matches featuring the game’s biggest names, while players benefit from match rhythm, increased exposure, and match sharpness right before other big events like the World Pool Masters or World Championship.
Quote
“Premier League Pool is tough — you’re constantly up against champions, and every mistake is punished. But it really prepares you for the rest of the season.”
— Joshua Filler, 2023 semifinalist
Unlike other competitions, the Premier League doesn’t allow for slow starts or easy early rounds. Because it uses a round-robin format, every rack counts, and consistency is just as important as peak performance.
The event is especially valuable for elite players looking to gain rhythm ahead of the Mosconi Cup or U.S. Open. Because all games are streamed, it also serves as a high-exposure opportunity for sponsors and ranking systems on the Matchroom Nineball World Rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Premier League Pool?
Premier League Pool is a Matchroom-produced 9-ball tournament featuring 16 top-class professional players. It uses a group-stage round-robin format followed by a knockout stage, all played on a single feature table and broadcast daily.
It’s designed to showcase the best in the sport over a fast-paced, multi-match structure — offering both sport and spectacle.
How does the format work?
- Stage 1: Round Robin (Group Play)
All 16 players play each other in short-race 9-ball matches (typically race to 5 or 7). Wins earn points. - Stage 2: Playoffs (Top 8 Qualification)
After the round-robin phase, the top eight players based on match wins and rack differential enter a single-elimination playoff bracket.
Every player is guaranteed multiple matches against the best in the world, making it a true endurance test across technical, tactical, and mental dimensions.
Where and when is it held?
Recent editions of Premier League Pool have been hosted at Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, but the venue may vary slightly depending on Matchroom’s calendar and logistical needs.
The tournament is usually staged in the spring, roughly between March and May, serving as a tune-up to the high-stakes summer calendar.
Why is Premier League Pool unique?
- League Format: Most pool events eliminate players early. Here, players compete every day in front of a global audience.
- Elite Only: Only the top 16 players are invited, often based on the Matchroom Nineball World Rankings.
- Professional Presentation: Produced by Matchroom with arena-style staging, high-definition broadcasting, and expert commentary.
The event tests not only skill but consistency, stamina, and adaptability across a wide variety of opponents in rapid succession.
Who plays in Premier League Pool?
A typical field includes players like:
- Shane Van Boening
- Francisco Sanchez Ruiz
- Joshua Filler
- Albin Ouschan
- Jayson Shaw
- Fedor Gorst
Some editions also include young prospects or wildcard invites (e.g., Wiktor Zielinski, Ko Ping Chung), making the 16-player roster a snapshot of 9-ball pool’s global elite.
Is it part of the Matchroom Nineball World Ranking?
Yes. Since 2023, Premier League Pool has contributed to the Matchroom Nineball World Rankings. While it may carry fewer points than the U.S. Open or World Pool Championship, it plays a key role in influencing:
- Mosconi Cup team qualification
- World Championship seedings
- Wildcard decisions and sponsor interest
Where can I watch Premier League Pool?
- International Streaming: Matchroom.Live (globally)
- Broadcast Partners: DAZN, Sky Sports, Viaplay, and regional broadcasters
- YouTube Highlights: Official Matchroom Pool channel offers daily match clips and post-match interviews
Because of the centralized table setup, every match is TV-quality with live scoring, player stats, and expert commentary.
Coming Soon
We’re building out a full Premier League Pool archive page, which will include:
- Year-by-year winners and runner-ups
- Group stage statistics and records
- Best match comebacks and rack shoots
- Player consistency rankings across multiple editions
- Pre-Mosconi performance trends
- Tactical breakdowns of matches between top-10 ranked players
This data will offer tournament historians and fans unparalleled insights into one of pool’s freshest professional formats.