The World Pool Championship is moving on from Saudi Arabia, but the event itself is not going away.
Matchroom has officially confirmed that, following discussions with the Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation, both the World Pool Championship and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will not continue in Saudi Arabia for future editions.
The announcement ends a short but significant two-year run for cue sports in the Kingdom. Across 2024 and 2025, Saudi Arabia staged major pool and snooker events in Riyadh and Jeddah, welcomed world champions, gave 18 Saudi players the chance to compete on the same stage as the sport’s elite, and drew spectators from nearly 40 countries.
For pool fans, the most important part of the statement is this: the World Pool Championship will return in a new location, and the $1,000,000 prize fund will remain intact. Matchroom has not yet announced the new host venue or dates.
Why the Saudi chapter is ending
No official reason was given beyond the diplomatic wording of “constructive discussions” between the parties.
That lack of detail has not gone unnoticed. Snooker professional Barry Hawkins publicly expressed frustration after the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters was cancelled, pointing out that players had expected a long-term deal and were given little explanation.
The bigger picture, however, suggests Saudi Arabia may be reviewing how and where it spends on global sports. The country’s Public Investment Fund recently approved its 2026 to 2030 strategy, with a stronger focus on domestic economic priorities, investment efficiency, and financial returns.
That does not mean Saudi Arabia is leaving sports entirely. In fact, PIF has said sport remains a priority sector. But the days of unlimited spending across every global sports property appear to be changing.
One major example is LIV Golf. PIF has confirmed it will fund LIV Golf only through the remainder of the 2026 season, citing shifting priorities and broader economic conditions.
That does not prove the World Pool Championship decision was caused by the same strategy shift. But the timing is hard to ignore.
What this means for pool
The World Pool Championship remains the crown jewel of nineball.
For players, the biggest relief is that the $1 million prize fund is staying. For fans, the next major question is where Matchroom will take the event next.
Until Matchroom makes an official announcement, any talk of Europe, the United States, Asia, or any other location remains speculation.
For Filipino fans, all eyes will also be on 🇵🇭 Carlo Biado, the reigning 2025 World Pool Champion, who defeated 🇺🇸 Fedor Gorst 15-13 in Jeddah to become the first Filipino to win the title twice.
Wherever the World Pool Championship lands next, the message is clear: the Saudi chapter is over, but the tournament moves forward.