The 9-Ball Tournament: History, Highlights, & Champions

Key Takeaways

• Established in 1990, the WPA World Nine-ball Championship is an annual professional 9 ball tournament under the World Pool Association (WPA) sanction.
• Earl Strickland remains the most prolific WPA World 9-Ball Championship winner, clinching victory thrice (1990, 1991, 2002).
• Fedor Gorst emerged victorious in the 2024 tournament, securing a 15-14 win over Eklent Kaçi at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal City Sports Hall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction To The 9-Ball Tournament

What Is The 9-Ball Tournament?

A 9-ball tournament is a general term for any competitive event played under the rules of a 9-ball pool. These tournaments can range from local bar events to regional competitions. There are also professional 9-ball tournaments held around the world, with the most prestigious one being the WPA World Nine-ball Championship.

The WPA World Pool Championship is under the World Pool Association (WPA) sanction.

History And Development Of The WPA World Nine-Ball Championship

The WPA World Nine-ball Championship, also known as the World Pool Championship, is an annual professional 9-ball tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and principally sponsored and organized by Matchroom Sport. The championship is divided into men’s, women’s, junior’s, and wheelchair divisions. Here are the milestones:

Debut (1990): The WPA World 9-Ball Billiards Championship was inaugurated in 1990, featuring separate divisions for men (32 players) and women (16 players).

Initial Development (1990-1999):

• The tournament takes place annually under the sanction of the World Billiards Association (WPA).
• In 1999, Matchroom Sport organized a competitive event that led to the recognition of two world championships in the same year.

Consolidation and Development (2000-present):

• In 2000, the WPA and Matchroom Sport teamed up to organize a single championship, attracting more excellent sponsorship and television coverage.
• The tournament continued to grow, with the addition of a junior category in 2004.
• In 2021, the WPA recently ended the women’s category and plans to hold a separate championship for women.

Today’s Landscape: The WPA World 9 Ball Championship is the most prestigious world pool championship in 9-ball, attracting top-tier players to compete for the winning title and grand prizes.

Importance And Prestige Of The WPA World Nine-Ball Championship In The Billiards Community

Over the past 30 years, the WPA World Nine-ball Championship has dramatically influenced the pool and billiards community for several compelling reasons.

• Historical Significance: It has become one of the oldest and most highly regarded tournaments in the billiards world. Ingrained in the sport’s fabric, it serves as a testament to a cueist’s skill, discipline, and mastery of 9-ball.
• Global Recognition: The tournament draws elite players from across the globe, forming a diverse and fiercely competitive field. This prestigious event has elevated the status of numerous stars, including Strickland, Hohmann, and Reyes.
• Attractive Prizes: The WPA World 9-Ball Championship 2024 boasted a record prize fund of $1 MILLION, with a staggering $250,000 awarded to the winner.

2024 champion Fedor Gorst

List Of The WPA World Nine-Ball Championship 

Here are four tournaments of the WPA World 9-Ball Championship:

• The WPA Men’s World Nine-Ball Championship
• The WPA Women’s World Nine-Ball Championship
• The WPA Junior World Nine-ball Championship
• The WPA Wheelchair World Nine-ball Championship

Memorable Moments In The History Of The WPA World 9-Ball Championship

Captivating finals, iconic shots, and intense emotions make it difficult to encapsulate the entire history of the WPA World 9-Ball Championship in just a few lines. Nonetheless, certain moments will forever hold a special place in the annals of this esteemed tournament.

Classic And Thrilling Matches

1991: Earl Strickland vs. Nick Varner (Finals): This anticipated showdown showcased both players’ ingenuity, strategic prowess, and fierce perseverance. Strickland emerged victorious through thrilling back-and-forth battles thanks to his tenacious table control. His 9-7 victory over Varner further solidified his place among the sport’s elite.

1999: Efren Reyes vs. Francisco Bustamante (Semi-Finals): It was the battle of 2 maestros. Bustamante was in perfect form, but Reyes was in his prime, and no one could stop him. His nine straight breaks and runs were unbelievable. The most regrettable thing is that the two met too early in the semi-finals.

2005: Jiaqing Wu vs. Po-Cheng Kuo (Finals): At just 16 years old, Wu seized the opportunity for glory after his opponent faltered. With five consecutive racks, Wu clinched a 17-16 victory, earning the title of the youngest World 9-Ball Champion, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.

“Little Genius” Jiaqing Wu

Outstanding Scoring

In the annals of the WPA World 9-Ball Championship finals, two remarkable score gaps include:

1996: Ralf Souquet’s commanding 11-1 victory over Tom Storm.

1998: Kunihiko Takahashi’s decisive 13-3 win against Johnny Archer.

Famous Techniques By Players

Pinpointing the techniques in the history of the WPA World Pool Championship is subjective and may vary based on individual opinions. However, there have been several memorable shots that stand out:

1. Efren Reyes’ Massé Shot: In the 1999 final match against Chang Hao-ping, Reyes executed an incredible Massé shot to pocket the 9-ball, securing the championship. This shot is widely considered one of the most phenomenal plays in billiards history.
2. Carlo Biado’s Fierce Break: Biado’s mastery of break shots was evident as he consistently pocketed balls and maintained control over the cue ball. His impeccable technique was pivotal in his 11-6 victory over Van Boeing in the 2018 World 9-Ball Championship semi-finals in Doha, Qatar.

Unexpected Events During The WPA World Pool Championship 

2003: Earl Strickland’s Outburst (Last 16): Reigning champion Earl Strickland ignited controversy before his match against six-time world Snooker champion Steve Davis. During a press conference, Strickland felt disrespected by fans favoring Davis.

The tension continued into the match as Strickland insulted a spectator and talked during Davis’ shots, violating tournament rules. Referee Michaela Tabb intervened, but Strickland’s response was disrespectful.

Later, showing remorse, Strickland entered the arena for his next match with flowers for Tabb as an apology. He maintained his composure for the rest of the tournament.

2024: Albin Ouschan’s Exit (Last 64): In an unexpected turn of events, two-time World 9-Ball Champion Albin Ouschan faced elimination in the last 64, succumbing to a 9-3 defeat against Johann Chua. This outcome underscores the inherently unpredictable nature of the sport.

Ouschan had to say goodbye to the 2024 tournament early.

Prominent Champions Of The WPA World 9-Ball Tournament

The WPA World 9-Ball Championship boasts a rich history with legendary figures who’ve dominated the table. Let’s delve into some of these world-class champions.

Earl Strickland (USA)

Wins: 3 (1990, 1991, 2002)

Nicknamed “The Pearl” for his flamboyant personality, Strickland is one of the most recognizable pool players. Known for his aggressive style and clutch performances, he set the record for most consecutive wins (1990-1991). However, controversies also marked his career, including a heated exchange with Steve Davis and the crowd in 2003.

Albin Ouschan (Austria)

Wins: 2 (2016, 2021)

Ouschan, nicknamed “The Smooth Operator” for his calm demeanor and precise style, dominated the mid-2010s. He is a two-time champion celebrated for his exceptional control of the cue ball and unwavering focus. Despite a surprising early elimination in the 2024 tournament, he remains a formidable contender.

Efren Reyes (Philippines)

Wins: 1 (1999)

Often referred to as “The Magician” for his seemingly effortless play, Reyes is a Filipino legend. While he only has one official WPA title, he is widely considered one of the greatest pool players ever—his unorthodox techniques and incredible shot-making enchanted audiences worldwide.

Organization And Management Of The WPA World 9Ball Championship

Key Partners And Sponsors

The organization and management of the WPA World 9-Ball Championship are overseen by Matchroom Sport, with support from key partners and sponsors:

1. Venue Partner: The 2024 tournament is hosted at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal City Sports Hall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation (SABSF) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport.

The Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal City Sports Hall in Jeddah

2. Broadcast Partners: The World Pool Championship is broadcast worldwide by prominent broadcasters such as Sky Sports, Shahid VIP Sports, SSC, MENA, and DAZN, ensuring extensive coverage and reaching a global audience of fans.
3. Merchandise Partner: Onboard Sportswear offers fans official playing jerseys and souvenir shirts, allowing them to show their support for their favorite players and the tournament.
4. Equipment Sponsors: Rasson supplies the official table for the tournament, CueTec provides the official cues, and Kamui supplies the official chalk and tip.

Technological Support

Matchroom Live is an online platform designed for pool enthusiasts worldwide. It offers live and recorded coverage of events organized by Matchroom Sport, including its five major pool tournaments: the World Pool Championship, US Open Pool Championship, Mosconi Cup, World Pool Masters, and World Cup of Pool.

In today’s sports world, the WPA World 9 Ball tournament continues to be a dominant force, captivating billiards enthusiasts around the globe. This was evident by the influx of new players, attracted not only by the substantial prizes but also by the opportunity to make their mark in the history of 9-ball.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is The Largest 9-Ball Pool Tournament?

The WPA World Nine-ball Championship is the most extensive professional tournament in the 9-ball pool.

• Who Won The World 9-Ball Pool Championship 2024?

Fedor Gorst emerged as the 2024 WPA World Pool Championship champion, defeating Eklent Kaçi 15-14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

• Who Has Won The Most 9-Ball Championships?

Earl “The Pearl” Strickland holds the record for the most wins in the WPA World Nine-ball Championship, with three titles (1990, 1991, 2002). He also boasts the record for the most consecutive wins, securing two straight titles in 1990 and 1991.