Overview
The U.S. Open Pool Championship is one of the most historic and prestigious tournaments in professional 9-ball pool — often considered the most respected open entry event on American soil. First held in 1976, it has grown to become a foundational title in the calendar year and a coveted trophy for any serious 9-ball competitor.
Today, the tournament is promoted and broadcast by Matchroom Pool, which took over operations in 2019 and massively increased the event’s global visibility. With a $300,000+ prize fund, 256-player double-elimination field, and a setting in iconic American venues like Atlantic City or Las Vegas, the U.S. Open is both a test of stamina and an elite-level spectacle of cue sports excellence.
Winning the U.S. Open means conquering a deep, diverse international field. Former champions include multiple legends, such as Earl Strickland, Shane Van Boening, and Efren Reyes, along with newer stars like Joshua Filler and Francisco Sánchez Ruiz. It remains one of the few events where amateurs and unranked players can enter and — as history shows — occasionally shock the world.
Under its current format, the U.S. Open features:
- Double-elimination early rounds followed by a single-elimination final bracket
- All matches using nine-ball with alternate breaks
- Matches typically played as race to 9 early, increasing to race to 13 in the finals
- A live global stream across Matchroom.Live, DAZN, and Sky Sports
For players seeking ranking points, resume prestige, or Mosconi Cup selection, the U.S. Open Pool Championship is one of just a handful of “major” tournaments in modern competitive 9-ball.
Quote
“There’s no better feeling than winning the U.S. Open. You don’t just beat great players—you survive day after day of the highest pressure our sport can offer.”
— Shane Van Boening, 5-Time U.S. Open Champion
For many pros, the U.S. Open is the hardest event to win, not just because of the field size or match volume — but because it’s a mixed battleground. Champions rise from tightly contested matches against seasoned veterans, rising stars, and relatively unknown players hungry for a breakout victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. Open Pool Championship?
The U.S. Open Pool Championship is a premier 9-ball tournament that allows open entry for professional and amateur players. It is considered the most prestigious 9-ball event in the United States, featuring global participation and top-tier production by Matchroom Pool.
What game format does the tournament use?
All matches are played using standard 9-ball rules with the following structure:
- Alternate break
- 3-point break rule
- Shot clock
- Rack your own (under supervision)
- Early rounds: Race to 9
- Finals: Race to 13
The format rewards technical skill, mental focus, and the ability to adjust across long matches under pressure.
Where is the tournament held?
While originally held in Chesapeake, Virginia, under its founder Barry Behrman, the tournament has recently been hosted in:
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Harrah’s Resort
- Las Vegas, Nevada (as part of the World Nineball Tour calendar)
Matchroom continues positioning the event as a marquee tournament on U.S. soil with global reach.
How many players compete?
Typically, the draw includes:
- 256 players
- Open entry (first come, first served)
- Wide mix of world-class professionals and national-level amateurs from over 40+ countries
It’s one of few events where anyone can qualify alongside the best in the world — one of the key attractions of this tournament.
Who are the most successful players in U.S. Open history?
As of 2023, notable multi-time champions include:
- Shane Van Boening (USA) — 5 titles
- Earl Strickland (USA) — 5 titles
- Buddy Hall (USA) — 3 titles
- Efren Reyes (PHI) — 1 title
- Francisco Sánchez Ruiz (ESP) — 2022 champion
It’s also been the breakout stage for players like Jayson Shaw, Aloysius Yapp, and Wu Jiaqing.
What’s the prize money?
The U.S. Open features one of the largest prize pools in pool:
- Total Prize Pool: ~$300,000+
- Winner’s Share: ~$50,000
- Payout (up to Last 64 or Last 128)
This makes it not only a ranking milestone, but also a financially significant win for players competing on the world tour.
How does the U.S. Open fit into pool’s global calendar?
It’s one of the flagship events on the Matchroom Nineball World Ranking Tour, alongside:
- World Pool Championship
- World Cup of Pool
- European Open
- U.K. Open Pool Championship
Wins at the U.S. Open have a major impact on World Rankings and Mosconi Cup team selection.
Coming Soon
We’re building a premier archive of U.S. Open stats and history, including:
- Complete winners’ list by year
- Top 5 most dominant performances
- Upsets and underdog runs
- Player win-loss records
- Break stats and rack win percentage
- Interview vaults and video highlights