Overview
The WEPF World Eightball Pool Championship is the longest-standing global championship for English-style eightball, governed by the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF). With origins dating back to the 1990s, this tournament has hosted the world’s top amateur and semi-professional players on 7-foot English pool tables using red and yellow ball sets under “World Rules.”
Primarily played by cue sports athletes from the UK, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland, the WEPF World Championship has evolved into a multinational event with men’s, women’s, junior, and senior divisions. Unlike the IPA World Championship, which focuses on blackball and a professional tour hierarchy, the WEPF event celebrates national team structures and player reps through both individual and team formats.
Often held in England, most recently in Kershaw’s in Bradford or other venues approved by the English Pool Association (EPA), the WEPF Worlds are the ultimate goal for any serious “World Rules” or amateur eightball player.
What is the WEPF?
The World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) is the original international body for English-style eightball pool. It is composed of national associations across Europe, Africa, Oceania, and some parts of Asia.
- Table size: 7-foot English pool tables
- Balls: Traditional red and yellow sets
- Rule set: “World Rules” (predate current WPA Blackball rules)
- Participating countries: 20+ including England, Australia, South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand
The WEPF is distinct from the WPA, IPA, or Ultimate Pool circuits, and it maintains its own tournament system for international competition.
Tournament Format
The WEPF World Championship typically features the following divisions and prize structures:
| Division | Format |
|---|---|
| Men’s Open Singles | Group stage to knockout |
| Women’s Open Singles | Group stage to knockout |
| Junior Singles (Under 23) | Direct knockout |
| Seniors (Over 50s) | Direct knockout |
| Nation Team Event | Country vs. country (5-player team) |
Rules Used
The WEPF World Championship is played under traditional World Rules, which include:
- Total of 15 minutes for an individual frame
- Two-shot carry after fouls
- No automatic loss of frame for skill shots or fouls
- Tactical advantage with controlled skill shots and safety play
These are the basis for what many players in the UK grew up with — before newer governing bodies like the IPA popularized WPA blackball rules.
Past Champions & Notable Players
The championship has a deeply rooted competitive history among English-speaking nations. Many legends of the sport made their name here, including professional coaches, county captains, and EPA development heads.
Multiple WEPF World Champions (Men’s)
| Player | Country | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Mick Hill | England | 6 |
| Tom Cousins | Wales | 2 |
| Jason Twist | England | 2 |
| Gareth Potts | England | 3 |
Notable Champions (Women’s)
| Player | Country | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Cunningham | Ireland | WEPF World Champion |
| Barbara Taylor | England | Multiple team and singles victories |
Mick Hill and Gareth Potts are standout alumni, with success across both WEPF and international eightball formats.
Individual vs. International Team Formats
The individual singles competition is the most followed, but the team championships are a major draw, featuring national rivalries in a “team of five” head-to-head matchup.
- Format: Round-robin group stage → top teams to knockout
- Players per team: 5 + optional reserve
- Countries like England, Australia, and South Africa often field multiple levels (seniors, ladies, and junior teams).
Where is it held?
The WEPF World Championship does not have a fixed location but is commonly hosted in the UK, often in venues supported by the EPA. Other editions have been held in:
- Blackpool, England (Norbreck Castle Hotel – most iconic)
- Kershaws Garden City Hotel, Bradford
- Australia, South Africa, and Malta (rotational hosts for novelty years)
How to Watch
While the event doesn’t offer the same broadcast production as Matchroom events or IPA’s livestreams, major matches are available via:
| Platform | Coverage |
|---|---|
| EPA YouTube Channel | Selected live matches and highlights |
| CueScore event pages | Match scores & brackets |
| Tournaments.Live | Amateur pool streams (third-party) |
| Local venue streams | Some matches streamed via Facebook |
Individuals can also attend in person via day passes to the venue.
WEPF or IPA — What’s the Difference?
Both brand themselves as Eightball World Championships, but they serve different rule sets and communities:
| Feature | WEPF Championship | IPA World Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Rules Used | “World Rules” | WPA Blackball Rules |
| Table Size | 7-foot English tables | 7-foot English tables |
| Career Path | More amateur focused | Professional rankings |
| Divisions | Includes teams, juniors | Singles only (mostly) |
| Viewership | Grassroots & national | Worldwide via IPA streams |
Future Evolution
The WEPF Championship is gradually modernizing:
- Increasing focus on global outreach (via affiliate federations)
- Improving livestream infrastructure
- Stepping up statistical coverage and player profiling
The WEPF has also embraced ongoing reforms in rules clarity, table sponsor partnerships, and international junior development.