WNT EXPANDS IN THE USA WITH INAUGURAL ARIZONA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP, 13–16 AUGUST 2026
Where The Heat Meets The Elite
The World Nineball Tour is proud to announce the Arizona Open Pool Championship, the newest major event on the WNT calendar, set to take place from 13–16 August 2026 at the impressive Quechan Casino Resort in Yuma, Arizona.
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Fans around the world will be able to watch the action in Arizona on WNT TV, with further international broadcast partners to be announced soon.
The Arizona Open Pool Championship will feature a 128-player single elimination field, mirroring the thrilling format of last year’s Philippines Open Pool Championship. The top 64 ranked World Nineball Tour professionals will automatically qualify, joined by a further 64 competitors to complete the field — all vying for a $125,000 prize fund.
With its high-stakes, win-or-go-home format, the Arizona Open promises four days of relentless, elite-level competition as the sport’s biggest names battle alongside emerging talents in pursuit of the newest major WNT title.
Five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening shared his excitement about competing in the inaugural event on home soil: “Anytime you get the chance to compete in a major on home soil, it means something special. The Arizona Open is a huge addition to the calendar and another big moment for pool in the United States. The fans here are incredibly passionate, and I’ll be doing everything I can to lift another major title in front of them. Events like this show how strong and competitive the World Nineball Tour has become, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
As the Tour continues its global expansion and answers growing demand from fans across the United States, the Arizona Open represents another landmark step in delivering world-class nineball to passionate American audiences.
CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, Emily Frazer, stated: “The launch of the Arizona Open Pool Championship is another significant milestone in the continued growth of the World Nineball Tour. The appetite for elite nineball across the United States is stronger than ever, and we are committed to delivering premium events in outstanding venues that elevate the sport. With a highly competitive 128-player single elimination format and a $125,000 prize fund, the Arizona Open will be a standout moment in our 2026 season — and a crucial opportunity to discover and showcase the next great USA pool star. It will be a fantastic platform for emerging American talent to make their mark on the global stage, as well as a superb event for our established players and fans alike.”
Staged at the Quechan Casino Resort, the Arizona Open will combine top-tier sporting action with a premier hospitality experience, providing an exciting destination event in the heart of Arizona.
CFO of Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Resort, Paul Feltman commented: “Hosting the inaugural Arizona Open is an exciting milestone for Quechan Casino Resort. We are proud to partner with the World Nineball Tour to bring elite-level competition to Yuma and to welcome players and fans from across the country and around the world. Events of this calibre reflect our commitment to delivering first-class experiences and positioning our resort as a destination for premier sporting entertainment.”
The Arizona Open Pool Championship further strengthens the World Nineball Tour’s presence in the United States and underlines its mission to deliver world-class tournaments on a truly global stage.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history at the inaugural Arizona Open. Sign up for priority ticket alerts and be part of the action this August.
