We are familiar with the rich history of pool in the US, characterized by high-stakes matches and prestigious tournaments like the US 9-Ball Open, one of the longest-running and considered among the top two most prestigious in the sport. The US has undeniably played a significant role in advancing pool globally.

Then there’s China, steadily establishing itself as a pool powerhouse through its global campaign promoting Chinese 8-Ball (Heyball). The Chinese have invested millions to promote their unique brand of pool, organizing tournaments worldwide. Their global campaign began in the US this month and will continue with tournaments scheduled across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Europe throughout the year.

However, what these two major countries lack is the passionate fanbase found in the next big three countries in terms of market and talent: the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These nations boast the largest number of fans and followers, a potential recognized by promoters like Matchroom, which only began tapping into this market last year. The new generation of fans for the sport will grow larger if promoters like Matchroom can capitalize on it effectively.

In terms of population, Vietnam has around 100 million, the Philippines 114 million, and Indonesia 280 million—nearly 500 million people in total, offering enormous potential for advertising and other businesses. The general public in these countries is familiar with the sport, making it feasible to promote and elevate a professional player to superstar status. Efren Reyes remains the most influential player in this region, widely popular. Imagine having another player of his caliber in today’s era of social media and the internet; the potential for pool in Southeast Asia would be extraordinary. The AJ Manas -JB Sucal match, which drew approximately 200,000 live viewers, and Duong Quoc Hoang‘s finals match in the Scottish 9-Ball Open last May, which also attracted a similar number of viewers during late hours, are testament to the sport’s potential in these countries.

Indonesia, as mentioned earlier, has already hosted numerous tournaments this year and shows no signs of slowing down. Vietnam has also hosted several tournaments, with the 2nd Hanoi Open, the largest open event in Asia, scheduled for October, along with the 2nd Peri Open in Da Nang. They have actively invited international players, and their pool scene is bustling. In October, the Philippines will host its biggest invitational event in Asia, the inaugural Reyes Cup, promising to bring pool back into the mainstream. Alongside the Reyes Cup, the Manny Pacquiao International 10 Ball Open in December will showcase the next generation of rising stars in the Philippines.

The frequent visits of pool superstars like Fedor Gorst and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz to Indonesia and Vietnam further underscore the importance of the fanbase in this part of the world.

These three countries represent a beacon of hope for a sport that has struggled for relevance on the global scene. It will be exciting to witness how these developing nations propel pool to new heights in the future and earn the respect it truly deserves.