The 2025 World Pool Championship is officially underway following a pre-tournament press conference held Monday evening at the spectacular Green Halls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the venue that will host six days of elite nineball action from July 21–26.
With 233 matches scheduled and over 40 nationalities represented in the player field, the championship stands as the most global and competitive edition to date, bringing together the best players on the planet in pursuit of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
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The press conference welcomed media and fans inside the World Pool Championship arena for the first time, offering a glimpse of what’s to come. Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, hosted the event and was joined by key figures including the President of the Saudi Billiard & Snooker Federation, Mr Nayef Aljawini, along with a star-studded player panel featuring defending World Champion and World Number One Fedor Gorst, World Number Four Johann Chua, Saudi Arabia’s own Khaled Alghamdi, and 2022 World Champion Shane Van Boening.
Emily Frazer stated:
“It’s brilliant to be back in Jeddah, working alongside the Saudi Billiard & Snooker Federation and the Ministry of Sport. We’ve built the arena, and I still get goosebumps seeing it — watching the players arrive and practise, knowing the scale of what’s about to unfold.
With over 40 nations represented and the very best players on the planet competing, this week promises world-class drama from start to finish.”
Speaking on behalf of the host nation, Nayef Aljawini expressed: “We’re excited to welcome this tournament back to the Kingdom. Everyone has been working hard over the past few months, and I’m ready to see it all come to life.
I truly believe it’s only a matter of time before we see Saudi players competing at the highest level — here in Jeddah or around the world. They have the talent, the commitment, and the passion for the game. Mark my words — I’m confident in their future.”
The focus then shifted to the players, with each offering thoughts ahead of a week that could define their careers.
Fedor Gorst commented: “It feels great to be back — this time as the reigning champion. There’s a lot of pride and responsibility that comes with defending the title, but I’m feeling fully motivated to go out there and give it my all.
This is the biggest event on the Tour, and the pressure is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. Last year’s win was incredibly special and being back here brings back all of those memories.”
Johann Chua stated: “I’m ready — more prepared than I’ve ever been for the World Pool Championship. Last year was a blessing to reach the semi-finals, and it started an amazing journey. I went on to win the Hanoi Open and the Reyes Cup with Team Asia.
That run all began right here in Saudi Arabia, and it feels good to return to where it all started.”
©Taka Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
Khaled Alghamdi commented: “It means a lot to be here, especially after winning the first SVB Junior Open back in 2022. Since then, I’ve played a few Tour events and I feel ready for the World Championship this year.
My father is coming to watch me, which means so much. But having this prestigious event in the Kingdom is important not just for me — it’s huge for all Saudi players. It gives us a chance to meet the pros and learn what it takes to become a World Champion.”
Shane Van Boening said:
“I’m ready to win. After last year, I felt just how much emotion and pressure comes with this tournament — everyone wants it so badly. It’s the number one tournament in the world and every player is fighting for that trophy.
I want to win this more than anything… but so does everybody else.”
The 2025 World Pool Championship will feature 128 players competing across 233 matches, with over 50 hours of live coverage delivered globally. For fans in the Kingdom, SSC will provide live broadcast coverage throughout the week, while international fans can tune in via Sky Sports in the UK, and WNT TV in selected regions.
Be there as history unfolds — secure your tickets now.