GORST PURSUES GOLDEN GLORY IN JEDDAH, DEFENDING WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN SAUDI ARABIA, 21–26 JULY
The Crown Jewel of Nineball awaits – tickets are on sale now
Fedor Gorst is gearing up for glory as he returns to Jeddah to defend his World Pool Championship title at the world’s richest Nineball tournament, set to make history once more in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the second consecutive year.
In collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship will return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, taking place from 21–26 July at the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah.
As the defending champion, Gorst arrives as World Number One following his spectacular run in 2024, with the pinnacle being crowned World Champion. His victory not only cemented his place at the top of the rankings but also etched his name in history as the youngest-ever player to secure multiple World Pool Championship titles, having first claimed the crown in 2019. Now, with the eyes of the world upon him, Gorst is ready to continue to create history once again and fight for a third title to further solidify his legacy.
“Returning to defend my title in Jeddah is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” said Gorst. “The World Pool Championship in Saudi Arabia has become one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, and I’m focused on continuing the success I’ve had in recent years. The prize fund, the level of competition, and the atmosphere in Jeddah are unmatched, and I can’t wait to get started.”
With a record-breaking prize fund of $1,000,000 and a top prize of $250,000, this tournament continues to set new benchmarks in pool. The 128 elite players, including some of the biggest names in the sport, will compete in a thrilling double-elimination format, promising high-octane action from start to finish. The stakes are higher than ever, with the richest-ever prize pool in Nineball history.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will again showcase its commitment to the sport by offering 16 wild card entries, giving local and regional players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best. These wild card spots will be filled by top players from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, continuing to foster the growth of pool in the region.
In line with the continued support for grassroots development, the Saudi Junior Championship will return alongside the event, creating a platform for young talent to shine and be inspired by their sporting heroes. This initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts, helping to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for sports.
Mr. Naif Al-jawini, President of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, stated:
“Today, billiards and snooker are rising alongside other sports that are experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The empowerment of the Saudi Federation and the support of the Ministry of Sport are a true testament to the capabilities and readiness of Saudi talents to host world-class championships—not only in billiards and snooker, but across all fields. The long-term impact of these events will be significant for future generations. What we are witnessing today is a remarkable harmony and a unique model in the region.”
Matchroom Multi-Sport CEO, Emily Frazer also praised the event’s return, saying: “The 2025 World Pool Championship promises to be an extraordinary event, both on and off the table. We are proud to continue our partnership with Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation. The continued growth of pool in this region is a testament to the incredible vision and passion for sports here in the Kingdom. We look forward to working together to elevate this event and inspire the next generation of pool players worldwide.”
With over 50 hours of live television coverage and 100 streaming hours, fans across the globe will be able to follow the action, as the 2025 World Pool Championship continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
For the latest news, schedules, and ticket information, please visit matchroompool.com.
