Overview
The IPA World Championship is the flagship event in professional blackball pool, attracting the best English 8-ball talent from around the world. Sanctioned and organized by the International Professional Pool Association (IPA), the championship is regarded as the pinnacle of English-style 8-ball competition, held annually in the United Kingdom.
Unlike American 9-ball tournaments, the IPA World Championship follows blackball rules, a variation of English 8-ball recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). The event features both men’s and women’s divisions, as well as amateur and senior categories, culminating in a true festival of small-table pool.
Every year, dozens of elite-level players compete in multi-day, televised knockout matches — with thousands of fans following the action both onsite and online. The title of IPA World Champion is seen as the most coveted in the IPA circuit.
What Is the IPA?
The International Professional Pool Association (IPA) is the governing body of professional blackball pool. Established in 1990, the IPA oversees a full annual tour including multiple ranking events, but the World Championship remains the defining benchmark of player excellence within the league.
- Ruleset: Blackball (WPA-sanctioned)
- Table size: 7-foot English pool tables
- Balls: Red/yellow (or increasingly, striped/solid)
- Cue Ball: 1⅞” or “white with spot”
IPA World Championship Format
| Stage | Format |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Rounds | Single elimination OR double-elim |
| Main Draw | Knockout, race to 8 (men’s) |
| Final | Race to 11 (can vary annually) |
| Divisions | Pro Men, Pro Women, Seniors, Amateurs |
- Shot Clock: Used from quarterfinals in pro divisions
- Rule Set: WPA Blackball rules
- Refereed Matches: Especially in TV rounds
Typical Tournament Structure
The event typically unfolds over 5 to 7 days, with separate brackets and live-streamed matches. Spectators can enjoy:
- Day matches featuring amateurs and qualifiers
- Evening coverage of professional clashes
- Commentary from IPA experts and former champions
Famous Champions
The title of IPA World Champion has been claimed by many legendary names in cue sports — several of whom have dominated English-style pool for years.
| Player | Titles | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Marsh | 2 (2017, 2021) | Wales |
| Marc Farnsworth | 1 | England |
| Liam Dunster | Multiple finalist | Scotland |
| Deb Burchell (Women) | Multiple times | Wales |
Welsh and Scottish players have been notably successful in recent years, reflecting the strength of blackball talent across the UK.
Why the IPA World Championship Matters
The IPA Worlds is more than just a trophy. It offers:
- Career-defining prestige in the English pool scene
- Cash prizes across multiple divisions
- Ranking points for qualification to other IPA/blackball events
- Global exposure via streaming and sponsorships
This makes the tournament a must-win for any serious blackball competitor. Several winners go on to become tour ambassadors, commentators, or even equipment endorsers.
Where and When Is It Held?
- Venue: Previously held at Hilton Hotels and major UK snooker halls; current editions are hosted in Bradford or Birmingham
- Time of Year: Usually held in February or March
- Spectators: Limited public attendance; tickets available or included with hotel/venue packages
- Streaming: All pro matches live-streamed via IPA’s official YouTube and Facebook channels
How to Watch the IPA World Championship
| Platform | Coverage |
|---|---|
| IPA YouTube | Live matches & full-day action |
| SportyStuff.TV | Free-to-air in UK, selective matches |
| IPA Facebook | Highlights & player interviews |
| Local Attendance | Possible via ticket packages |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the WEPF World Championship?
No. The IPA World Championship is run by the International Professional Pool Association, a separate organization from the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF). While both competitions use variants of blackball/English 8-ball, the IPA focuses on professional blackball, with updated equipment and livestream coverage.
What cue do most IPA professionals use?
Top IPA players often favor 8-ball-specific cues with:
- Smaller tips (8.5–9.5mm)
- Ash or maple shafts
- Tighter taper for precise control
Brands like Peradon, McDermott (UK cues), Buffalo, and Players are common.
(For a full guide, see our Best Cues for English Pool article.)
What’s the prize money?
Prize funds vary but often include:
- Men’s Winner: £10,000–£15,000
- Women’s Winner: £3,000–£5,000
- Amateur Divisions: Smaller purses or trophy + ranking points
Coming Soon on Our IPA Hub
We’re building the most complete IPA World Championship reference online. Here’s what’s in the pipeline:
- Year-by-year results + winners
- Full match replays linked by round
- Player stats and break percentages
- Seniors, women’s and amateur finals archive
- All-time final appearances by player