Pool is a sport that’s popular in many countries throughout the world, although it’s most popular in the United States, with many competitions being held each year. The best pool players can earn very good money, with prize money increasing all the time, as tournaments attract bigger audiences, both in person and via television.
In addition to the US, pool is also very popular in the UK, with many clubs and competitions throughout the country. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the biggest tournaments being held in both countries in 2023.
2023 UK Open Pool Championship
By far the biggest pool event in the UK next year is the 2023 UK Open Pool Championship. It will take place from May 30th to June 4th at the Copper Box Arena in London with a top prize of $30,000 for the winner.
There’s a total prize fund of $200,000 up for grabs for competing players and the format will have double elimination up to the final 64 players, after which point it will be single elimination until there’s a winner.
The final two days of the event will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, so even if you can’t attend in person, you’ll still be able to follow the action and get some skin in the game on trusted sites like PowerPlay.
IPA World Championships
The IPA World Championships is one of the most prestigious titles in pool and the 2023 event will have a top prize of £15,000. Not only do the IPA World Championships attract the best players in world pool but it’s also a televised event, adding that much more pressure for the participants.
This year’s event will take place from the 31st January to the 5th February at the Coventry Hilton Doubletree. The event is open to anyone and the schedule means that you can take part in multiple events, providing you’re eligible. The entry fees range from £190 for pros in the Open event to £60 per pair for mixed doubles.
Such a prestigious event is bound to be one of the highlights of the 2023 pool calendar and definitely one you don’t want to miss!
US Open Pool Championship
The US Open Pool Championship refers to several pool and billiard tournaments held in the US each year, although it most commonly refers to the 9-ball event, which is the oldest of the competitions and remains one of the most prestigious in pool since it first started in 1976.
This year’s event will take place from September 25th-30th at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City.
Mosconi Cup
The Mosconi Cup is a yearly team-based pool tournament where teams from Europe and US compete for the top prize. It started in 1994 and has become one of the most exciting tournaments in the sport since.
2022’s event saw it returning to the States for the first time since 2019. The total prize fund for this year’s competition was a whopping $225,000, with winners on each team receiving $30,000 each and runners up getting $15,000 per player.
Although the dates and location for 2023’s tournament have yet to be announced, it’s sure to be another must-watch event for pool fans around the world.
World Cup of Pool
The World Cup of Pool is one of the events fans most look forward to. Much like the soccer world cup, it sees 32 nations from around the world competing for the ultimate prize. It’s a doubles tournament with a huge total prize pool of $250,000 with the winning pair receiving $60,000 each.
This year’s event took place in Brentford, England from June 14th-19th with Germany going in as defending champions. Ultimately, Spain won the prize after defeating Singapore in the final.
The details on next year’s event have yet to be released but you can sign up for ticket news for 2023’s event at the Matchroom Pool website.
