Johann Chua’s rise in the world of nine-ball pool in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. From starting the year ranked 60th in the world to breaking into the top five by its close, Chua’s journey has been a testament to resilience, focus, and sheer talent. We caught up with the Filipino champion to reflect on his incredible achievements this year and his hopes for the future.
Hanoi Open Pool Championship Final
2024 was a breakthrough year for Chua, capped by his role in Team Asia’s historic Reyes Cup victory in Manila. The triumph wasn’t just a professional milestone but also an emotional one for the 31-year-old. “Life has been different since the Reyes Cup win,” Chua shared. “A lot of people recognise us now, and it’s given me so much confidence. Winning the Reyes Cup was something I really wanted, and I’m so happy my team and I achieved it.”
The significance of winning the inaugural Reyes Cup on home soil wasn’t lost on him. “It means a lot to me. Having the tournament in the Philippines, where the greatest pool player ever, Efren Bata Reyes, comes from, made it so special. To win it in front of our fans felt like a gift back to the sport.”
The inaugural Reyes Cup
Chua’s success didn’t end with the Reyes Cup. He capped the year by claiming the Marboys Open title, a fiercely competitive event featuring the likes of his Reyes Cup teammates. Reflecting on his triumph, he said, “The field was incredibly tough. There are so many great players from the Philippines, and I was fortunate to come through some close matches. The semi-final against AJ Manas was my toughest matchup, but I was lucky to win the final rack and move on to the final.”
The inaugural Marboys Open
His meteoric rise to fifth in the world rankings is remarkable considering his slow start to the year. He credits a shift in mindset and hard work for his success. “The start of the year was tough. I didn’t play well, and my game felt off. I didn’t even make the last 64 at the UK Open. But when I got back home to the Philippines, I practised hard and focused on what I needed to improve. From there, things changed. The World Championship was a turning point, and finishing third there gave me the confidence I needed.”
World Pool Championship Semi-Final
His achievements in 2024 include winning the Hanoi Open, his first Matchroom Major, as well as reaching the European Open final and the World Championship semi-finals, among other standout performances. As he looks ahead to the new year, Chua remains focused on improvement. “I’m just trying to stay focused and be better than last year,” he said. “This year has been surreal, but I know there’s more to achieve.”
Hanoi Open Pool Championship Final – Johann Chua with the Marboys
With his recent run of form, Johann Chua is undoubtedly a player to watch this year. Fans around the world will eagerly follow his journey as he builds on the momentum of a stellar 2024 to make 2025 another year to remember.
Fans can relive all of Johann Chua’s top moments from 2024, including his Hanoi triumph and historic success at the Reyes Cup, exclusively on WNT TV!
