World Pool Championship Heads to Bahrain for First Time

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, or BTEA, has signed a multi-year memorandum of understanding with Matchroom Pool to bring the World Pool Championship to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time.
The multiyear partnership with Matchroom Pool, an organizer and promoter of professional pool competitions around the world, brings the World Nineball Tour to a new territory. Furthermore, the World Pool Championship is described as the “Crown Jewel of the World Nineball Tour.”

Held in cooperation with the Bahrain Billiard Sports and Darts Federation, next year’s championship will take place at Exhibition World Bahrain from April 5—10, 2027. The same venue hosted the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters, from January 15—16, 2026.

The six-day tournament is expected to feature 128 of the world’s best players from more than 40 countries. Together, they will compete in 223 matches for the sport’s greatest individual prize and a share of a record $1,000,000 prize fund.

BTEA CEO Sara Ahmed Buhiji said that the partnership would support efforts to attract major international sporting events to the Kingdom, strengthen its position as a key destination for tourism and events, and boost the national economy.

Grassroots Development

As part of the partnership, the World Nineball Tour will work closely with the Bahrain Billiard Sports and Darts Federation to support the continued growth of the sport at grassroots level in Bahrain. Specific initiatives will focus on coaching, player development and creating further opportunities for emerging Bahraini talent.

“It’s really exciting to see the World Pool Championship heading to a brand new home in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said two-time and defending World Pool Champion Carlo Biado. This promises to be another great chapter in the history of the event, and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

“We are proud to welcome the World Pool Championship to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time, marking an important milestone for the development of cue sports in the Kingdom,” said Monther Al Basri, president of the Bahrain Billiard Sports and Darts Federation. “We commend the BTEA for its continued efforts to promote sports tourism and attract prestigious international championships, further strengthening Bahrain’s position as a leading destination for major sporting events.

“This partnership also presents a valuable opportunity to develop the sport locally, provide Bahraini players with greater exposure to international competition, and inspire the next generation of talent. We look forward to working closely with BTEA and Matchroom Pool to deliver a successful championship that reflects Bahrain’s organisational capabilities and leaves a lasting legacy for the sport in the Kingdom.”

Media Coverage

In total, 50 hours of television coverage and 100 hours of digital streaming coverage will be dedicated to the event. The championship will be broadcast internationally through the World Nineball Tour’s broadcast partners and WNT TV.

“We are incredibly grateful to the BTEA and the Bahrain Billiard Sports and Darts Federation for their vision and invaluable support in making this landmark partnership a reality,” said Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer. “Following my recent visit to the Kingdom, I was made to feel so welcome from the moment I arrived. It was clear how much ambition there is here to host the world’s biggest sporting events, and we can’t wait to showcase the Kingdom to our global audience.

“We’re really excited to bring the World Nineball Tour to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to give the World Pool Championship a brand new home at Exhibition World Bahrain. It’s a stunning, welcoming and ambitious destination, and the perfect new setting for the best players from around the globe to compete next April with $1,000,000 on the line.”

Further details on tickets, broadcast partners, and the competition format will be confirmed at a later date.