Overview
The World Pool Championship (WPC) is widely regarded as the most prestigious title in professional 9-ball pool. First held in 1990, it crowns the undisputed World Champion of 9-ball and is considered part of the sport’s “Triple Crown” alongside the U.S. Open Pool Championship and the World Cup of Pool.
Since 2021, the tournament has been promoted by Matchroom Pool, which restored the event to its rightful place at the pinnacle of global cue sports after several transitional years. Featuring 128 of the best players from around the globe — including reigning champions, tour leaders, qualifiers, and wildcards — the WPC is the defining event of the 9-ball calendar.
With high-pressure single-elimination rounds, international rivalries, and elite-level production, the WPC is both a tournament and a test — a mental and physical gauntlet that only the best in the world can survive.
Quote
“Winning the World Pool Championship means everything. It’s the one title every professional dreams about from day one.” — Francisco Sánchez Ruiz, 2023 World Champion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Pool Championship?
The WPC is the official world championship for the 9-ball discipline, sanctioned formerly by the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) and now fully staged by Matchroom as a cornerstone of the Matchroom World Nineball Tour.
It is often called the “Worlds” or “9-ball World Championship,” and winning it universally identifies the victor as the world’s top 9-ball player.
What’s the tournament format?
Depending on the edition, the World Pool Championship runs under the following format:
| Stage | Format |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | Double elimination, race to 9 |
| Knockout Stage | Single elimination, race to 11 |
| Final | Race to 13 |
| Break Format | Alternate break |
| Additional Rules | 3-point rule, shot clock, hand-racking under referee supervision |
- Typically involves 128 players, featuring top-ranked stars and qualifiers.
- Matches are played under WPA 9-ball rules with global officiating standards.
- Shot clocks and TV tables are standard across later rounds.
How do players qualify?
The field of 128 is filled via a combination of:
- Matchroom World Nineball Rankings (Top 32)
- Continental qualifying events (e.g., Euro Tour, Asian Open)
- Wildcard selections and sponsors’ invitations
- Local or regional qualifiers (Matchroom or WPA sanctioned)
This open + ranked structure makes the WPC one of the few chances for rising players to face the world’s best on the biggest stage.
Where is it held?
For many years, the WPC had no fixed location, with events held across multiple countries:
- Cardiff, UK (1990s–2005)
- Taiwan/Manila (mid–2000s)
- Doha, Qatar (2010–2019)
- Milton Keynes / Atlantic City / Kielce, Poland (since 2021)
In recent years, Kielce, Poland has emerged as a frontrunner host city due to Poland’s strong pool scene and local support.
Who are the most famous World Pool Champions?
| Player | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Strickland (USA) | 3 | 1990, 1991, 2002 |
| Mika Immonen (FIN) | 2 | 2001, 2009 |
| Albin Ouschan (AUT) | 2 | 2016, 2021 |
| Francisco Bustamante (PHI) | 1 | 2010 |
| Joshua Filler (GER) | 1 | 2018 |
| Francisco Sánchez Ruiz (ESP) | 1 | 2023 |
The event has seen champions from over 10 different countries, showcasing the growing depth and global talent in 9-ball.
How important is the World Pool Championship?
The WPC is considered the single most important ranking event in all of professional 9-ball. It offers:
- Career-defining prestige
- Massive ranking points for the Matchroom Nineball rankings
- Direct qualification path for events like the Mosconi Cup
- Often results in sponsorship deals and endorsement visibility for the winner
It is the only title truly recognized worldwide as the World Champion in 9-ball.
Where can I watch the World Pool Championship?
Broadcast coverage for the WPC is global, including:
- Matchroom.live (official stream)
- DAZN (North America & parts of Europe)
- Sky Sports (UK & Ireland)
- Viaplay (Nordic countries)
- YouTube: Matchroom Pool uploads daily highlights and full-table replays
Coming Soon to This Page
We’re building a robust WPC history and archive section, including:
- Year-by-year winners and runners-up with match scores
- Chronological timeline of host cities and formats
- All-time records: largest comebacks, youngest and oldest champions
- Statistics dashboard with break percentages, match lengths, and shutouts
- Player performance dashboards for top 20 champions