TEAM ASIA TO DEFEND REYES CUP TITLE AGAINST FIRST-EVER TEAM REST OF THE WORLD
A new rivalry is born – The World unites to battle on Team Asia in Manila, October 16-19
The stage is set for an explosive twist at the 2025 Reyes Cup, as reigning champions Team Asia will now face a newly formed and formidable opponent: Team Rest of the World.
The global clash takes place October 16–19 at the iconic Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, Philippines — and will be broadcast live on One Sports and WNT TV, with further broadcast partners to be announced.
For the first time, elite players from across the globe — including Europe, the Americas, Oceania and beyond — will unite under one banner in a mission to dethrone Team Asia, who captured the inaugural Reyes Cup with an emphatic 11–6 win in front of a passionate home crowd.
To accommodate the creation of Team Rest of the World, the World Nineball Tour has adapted its qualification criteria for 2025, ensuring the fairest selection for this exciting new line-up.
Team Rest of the World qualification:
• Highest-ranked European player
• Highest-ranked American player
• Two captain’s picks
• One additional WNT Pro wildcard
Team Asia qualification:
• Highest-ranked player from the Philippines (host nation)
• Highest-ranked non-Philippines Asian player
• Two captain’s picks
• One additional WNT Pro wildcard
Qualification Cut Off: WNT Rankings immediately following the 2025 Hanoi Open Pool Championship (7-12 October).
This seismic change sets the stage for thrilling new combinations and unexpected rivalries, with national and continental pride on the line in the ultimate team showdown.
Efren Reyes, the tournament’s namesake and icon of Filipino pool, stated:
“Let them all team up — Asia is ready. They saw what happened last year, and we’re only getting stronger. Playing in front of our fans gives us something special, and I believe in our players. Team Rest of the World better come prepared, because Team Asia is not giving up this title.”
Jayson Shaw, one of the sport’s most fiery competitors and a vocal rival of Team Asia, is among those hoping to earn a place on the Rest of the World roster:
“They had their moment last year – fair play to them. But trust me, this year will be different. Europa, America — whatever flag we wear, we’re going there to win, silence the crowd, and take that trophy. We’ve got the players, and we’ve got a point to prove. I’ll be doing everything I can to make the team, and if I get the call, I’ll be ready to go there, put on a show, and win.”
Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, added:
“If you thought last year was big — this takes things to the next level. Europe and the Americas joining forces is a bold move, and it shows just how much the Reyes Cup already means. We’re proud to be working with Puyat Sports once again to deliver something truly global, and with the best players in the world on one stage, it’s going to be unmissable.”
With the world’s best set to collide once again in Manila, fans won’t want to miss a moment. Full broadcast details, team announcements, and ticket information will be announced soon.
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